Singapore: Wild but Not Free

[Guest guest]

PRESS RELEASE

 

3 November 2004

 

WIPE OUT THE ILLEGAL PET TRADE BEFORE IT WIPES OUT OUR WILDLIFE

 

SINGAPORE 3 NOVEMBER - The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society

(Acres) launched its ‘Wild But Not Free’ campaign today, empowering Singaporeans

to stand up for the victims of the illegal pet trade and put an end to this

illicit trade.

 

As a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of

Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since 1987, Singapore recognizes that “wild animals

in their many beautiful and varied forms are an irreplaceable part of the

natural systems of the earth which must be protected for this and the

generations to come.”

 

Globally, the illegal trading in wildlife, timber and other natural resources is

now surpassed only by the trafficking in drugs and weapons. The ongoing illegal

pet trade has severe consequences for the survival of every species involved.

More than half of the smuggled animals die, and the surviving animals mostly end

up living in bad conditions or are mistreated. These animals rarely survive for

long in captivity and removing them from their natural habitat damages the

fragile ecosystem in which they live as well as threatens the species’

existence. Some of the animals, especially primates can also spread diseases to

humans.

 

Most wild animals are prohibited as pets in Singapore. The list of prohibited

species includes primates, amphibians, reptiles (except the red-eared slider)

many species of birds and some types of fish. It is illegal to import, export,

or introduce these species without a permit. The sale or even display of these

animals is an offence under Singapore law.

 

This campaign, which aims to complement and assist the Agri-Food and Veterinary

Authority’s (AVA) efforts in curbing the illegal pet trade, involves a

month-long road show to create awareness on the detrimental effects of this

trade and a new Acres Wildlife Crime Hotline

 

The Wildlife Crime Hotline (9783 7782) provides an avenue for those who know of

anyone who buys, owns or trades in exotic animals, to blow the whistle on these

wildlife traders and buyers.

 

Tamara Emir, Deputy Executive Director of Acres said: “It’s a terrible business

and all of us should share the responsibility of protecting the animals who

cannot protect themselves. We are urging Singaporeans to play an active role in

ending this trade and call us if they know of anyone involved in it”.

 

“I firmly believe in the freedom of animals. I mean... can you imagine being

caged up like that? I say… Do unto others (well in this case ANIMALS) as you

would have them do unto you. You should treat animals the same way you would

like to be treated. That's only fair right” Irene Ang, local celebrity and

founder of FLY Entertainment said. She is one of several celebrities, including

Robin Leong, Adrian Pang, Debra Teng, Nadya Hutagalung, Lawrence Wong, April

Kian, Catherine Tan, Zachary Mosalle and Angela May who are actively supporting

this campaign and were present during the launch to speak to the public and

distribute the campaign brochures.

 

Acres is confident that with the help and support of the public, we can

eliminate this cruel trade and put an end to the labelling of Singapore as the

centre of the illegal wildlife trade.

 

Following the road show, Acres will also be conducting a series of undercover

investigations to uncover this illicit trade in Singapore.

 

Contact:

Tamara Emir (Deputy Executive Director)

Email: tamara Handphone: +65 97968592

 

- ends -

 

Notes to editors

 

1. Founded by a group of Singaporeans in 2001, Acres is a non-profit

organisation aimed at fostering respect and compassion for all animals. Acres’s

approach to raising animal welfare issue is to focus on education and back up

our advocacy with scientific clarity accrued through research. Using our

findings, we will inform the public and work towards synergistic partnerships

with the authorities and related parties to improve animal welfare.