Straits Times, 7 July 2002, By Pauline Leong HDB dwellers are prohibited from keeping pet cats, although they can have a dog, as long as it is one of 48 permitted breeds. The society asked National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan last September to change the rules, which it believes are discriminatory. The ministry said 'no' to the written proposal. Its main concern was that any relaxation of the no-cats policy could lead to more irresponsible owners, more complaints, and more friction among neighbours. Undeterred, the society has made a fresh application which addresses the ministry's concerns. The society says it is aware that the HDB has received complaints about cats defecating or urinating in public areas, as well as shedding fur and being noisy. But it points out that cats are not a public nuisance if they are managed properly. 'The issue is whether cat owners can be responsible,' says the non-profit organisation, started in 1999 to improve the welfare of stray cats in Singapore. It suggested that anyone who wants to keep cats should have them registered and keep them inside the flat at all times. They should also be sterilised, so that they do not caterwaul - part of their mating ritual. The society said that there should be a cap of three cats per household and the animals should be implanted with identification microchips. Irresponsible owners who let their cats become a public nuisance can be punished under several existing laws. More than 25 veterinarians have written letters to support the proposal, adding that cats are quiet, clean and independent. Also, more than 2,500 HDB dwellers and would-be residents said that they would like to keep cats as pets, according to a two-week survey done by the society. 'By allowing cats to be kept as pets, it may help reduce complaints about stray cats,' the society said. In its response to the society's first application, the ministry told the organisation's then-president Jean Lau that the present policy should remain. It acknowledged in its letter that the suggested measures of control could help reduce the nuisance caused by cats. But the greater problem was the many irresponsible cat owners who may not be prepared to comply with the conditions, the ministry said. It added that it receives about 200 complaints a year about cats, despite the current prohibition. HDB also does not have the resources to monitor and enforce the conditions on the registration of cats, said the ministry. While it empathised with the society's goals, it said that 'its priority, first and foremost, is to preserve a pleasant living environment for all residents in HDB estates'. Current president Lynn Yeo said that the society was disappointed by the decision. 'We do not think that the number of complaints of cat nuisance will rise that much. 'We are not asking for a blanket approval for all flat owners to keep cats. Only the responsible ones can do so,' she said. HELLO KITTY: Keeping the neighbours happy CATS can be managed properly such that they will not turn into a nuisance, says the Cat Welfare Society. Among its suggestions:

Have cats registered.

Keep them indoors at all times.

Sterilise them, so that they will not caterwaul.

Have them implanted with identification microchips.

No more than three cats per home.