Help animal welfare groups raise funds, lower costs

I was concerned to read that there are many animal welfare groups in Singapore, especially larger organisations, which are running out of funds for the new year, despite their Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status ("Animal welfare groups running short of funds"; yesterday).

More worrisome is that some are reconsidering their operations as an animal welfare group.

Animal welfare groups are non-profit organisations, and are not funded by the Government. However, an increase in government support will help boost funding, as it will instil in the public confidence to donate. This will benefit the animals under the groups' care.

Companies should consider such groups as part of their corporate social responsibility key performance indicators, and not just focus on welfare groups that help human beings.

Perhaps a consolidated charity portal with a list of local animal welfare groups and their donation avenues could be set up. These donation avenues need to be made known to the public, and welfare groups should be able to track the amount of funds that have been raised through the portal.

The Government could also set aside some land for animal shelters so that these groups do not have to constantly look for new premises - with some even looking overseas - when their lease expires, and can focus on caring for the welfare of unwanted animals.

Lastly, veterinary clinics and animal welfare groups could work together to boost the care of unwanted animals and control the population of street animals. Such partnerships can also reduce costs for the animal welfare groups.

More can be done to help welfare groups help animals here.

Darren Chan Keng Leong

This article was first published on Jan 5, 2016.
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