Caution Against Fraudulent Adopters

The Singapore Police Force has recently concluded an investigation with the help of the Cat Welfare Society against a fraudulent person that had utilised CWS's Adoption Bulletin for personal gain & cheating.

The person in question had contacted fosters from our Adoption Bulletin, provided false information and obtained 4 kittens from 3 known fosters and another 4 kittens from an unknown source. He had fabricated and falsified personal information and intent, stating that he was adopting the kittens as pets. The kittens were later found to be up for adoption for a "fee" at various online classified ads. The kittens were caged outside of his flat for the duration of time that they were waiting to be adopted for a "fee".

The SPF, in consultation with Attorney-General's Chambers, has decided that a stern warning be administered to the accused in lieu of prosecution. On 16 July 2010, the accused was warned by the Chief Investigation Officer.

While we are disappointed with this conclusion, we continue to be on the vigilance as a second offence would be looked upon with severity.

CWS would like to caution fosters to be extra careful when screening potential adopters. On our adoption bulletin at http://www.catwelfare.org/adoptions, we have provided an Adoption Contract that should be used for recording adopter's details. This should be checked against a form of identification such as an NRIC.

When possible, it is best to deliver the kittens/cats to the adopters' residence. Please conduct at least one home visit after adoption to ensure the well being of the cat.

If it is your first time as a foster or you would like some advice, please email info@catwelfare.org. Please also inform us if you come across any suspicious potential adopters.

TODAY July 24, 2010

Be Careful Whom You Give Up Kitty To

SINGAPORE - A personal trainer in his mid-30s has received a stern warning from the police for deceiving cat owners into allowing him to adopt their kittens.

The man had contacted several owners through the Cat Welfare Society's (CWS) website from January to April this year, and gave false personal information when seeking to adopt eight kittens.

He told the owners he was adopting them as pets for his child. He has, in fact, five children.

Using various websites, he then put the kittens up for adoption at $30 each, while keeping the kittens in cages outside his flat.

The scheme was uncovered after CWS received complaints about the man from the cat owners. One of them said he had called to offer personal training courses, and when asked about the kittens he had adopted, said they had been stolen from him.

The police issued the man with the warning on July 16.

On its website, CWS has advised cat owners to be more careful when screening potential adopters.

It urged them to deliver the cats to the adopters' home if possible, and to conduct at least one subsequent home visit to ensure [sic: the safety of] their cat. ONG DAI LIN

Source: TODAY Online