Opening Remarks by MOS Tan Kiat How at the Launch of the Science Behind Animal Behaviour Series: Science of Canine Behaviour Webinar

Oct 27, 2020

Good afternoon, everyone. A warm welcome to everyone joining us online today. 

I am very happy to be here today to launch NParks’ series of webinars on the science behind animal behaviour. NParks will kick-off this series with sessions on canine behaviour.

We are also very honoured to have with us from two leading experts in their fields for these inaugural sessions. We have with us Dr Roger Abrantes, who will share his research on animal ethology today. Tomorrow, we will hear from Dr Jenna Kiddie on the enrichment of dogs for their wellness and welfare.  NParks will be organising two more webinars on feline behaviour and animal-assisted interactions as part of this series over the next six months. 

This webinar series is an important part of what NParks has set out to do after undertaking a holistic review of the pet sector. NParks has identified that it needs to further engage individuals on the responsibilities in having pets as companions. There was also a need to raise standards of the service providers within the pet sector.

One way of doing this is to build awareness and knowledge on animal behaviour, as well as their emotional and physical needs. We hope to make the latest research and studies on topics like animal behavioural sciences, animal training, and therapy animals, accessible to all our pet sector stakeholders through such events. Tapping into the science of animal behaviour will allow us to better interact with our pets, and provide them with better care and management.

A science-based approach will also help us improve the rehabilitation of community animals, and match these animals to potential adopters. We can then help more of these animals find good homes. This is another outcome that we want to focus on, arising from the pet sector review.

This is why NParks will continue to enhance its professional expertise and capabilities in animal rehabilitation. It started a science-based canine rehabilitation pilot programme in November last year. I visited the Centre recently to see how the team works with the dogs to address their behavioural issues. I am very happy that NParks has successfully rehabilitated 23 dogs that were later rehomed through our animal welfare groups. 

Given the successful pilot, I am happy to announce that NParks will be scaling up its efforts by establishing a Centre for Animal Rehabilitation later next year so that it can help more community animals. It will be equipped with facilities such as activity rooms where our community animals can interact with humans in a home-like environment. This will help them better integrate into their new homes.  

In addition, it will carry out research studies on the behaviour and welfare of dogs in animal shelters, to enhance the existing canine rehabilitation programme. 

Finally, the Centre will work with international experts to develop new behavioural modification programmes, for example programmes to help reduce excessive fear and anxiety in community animals. 

We will also continue to work with our animal welfare group partners, veterinarians, and trainers to further improve rehoming and adoption processes. 

We have set up a Rehoming and Adoption Work Group to accelerate this work. At our first meeting that I chaired recently, we agreed to work together with our stakeholders and the public to jointly develop community-based standards and guidelines that will improve the rehoming and adoption experience for everyone.

All of us have a role to play in creating an environment where we can co-exist harmoniously with animals. Only by working together as a community, can we achieve what is best for the health and welfare of the animals as well as the health and safety of the public. If we all do our part, we will create a kinder and more gracious society that supports the well-being of both humans and animals. 

I hope that you will enjoy Dr Abrantes’ and Dr Kiddie’s sharing sessions. I wish you all an enriching event. Personally, I hope to learn more from everyone as well. Thank you.