It has been almost a fortnight since we were all collectively shocked by a video circulating on the internet showing a minor hurting a cat. CWS assisted to file a report on the case with AVS and the caregivers filed a police report. AVS has responded to our report stating that it takes all feedback received from the public on animal cruelty seriously and is investigating. They have requested that the public not to speculate on the details of the case and allow investigations to run its proper course.

We trust the authorities are fully aware of the gravity of the act and the need for an appropriate penalty to be levied. How factors such as age and maturity will play against the need for justice and deterrence in Court remain to be seen.

We have been reflecting as a team on what tangible steps can be taken to help inculcate compassion for community animals in our society. Our view is education on human-community animal interaction needs to come to the forefront of our society’s consciousness.

In the past, CWS has not had the manpower and resources to create an education programme. We intend to change this in 2023.

Educators will be able to download a series of work-sheets carrying the messages including choosing adoption, responsible cat ownership, loving cats, caring for cats and treating cats kindly for use in their classes.

We hope that educators will find these useful to have discussions on cat welfare with their students. If you are an educator, do watch this space for the release of the material in Q1 of 2023.

Together, we hope to help mold more compassionate and caring youngsters in our midst.