NEWS
ACRES PRESS RELEASE
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PRESS RELEASE
8 November 2004
THE HUNT FOR THE PET TIGER AND MALAYAN SUN BEAR IN SINGAPORE BEGINS
SINGAPORE 8 NOVEMBER – Following the launch of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society’s (Acres) ‘Wild but Not Free’ campaign, to create awareness on and curb the illegal pet trade, Acres has received information with regard to a tiger (Panthera tigris) and a Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) being kept as pets in Singapore.
Based on the information received, Acres understands that a tiger is being kept as a pet in a house in the Sixth Avenue vicinity and a Malayan sun bear is being kept as a pet in a house in the Mandai vicinity. However, the information provided was not specific enough to aid further investigations and confiscations.
These carnivores pose a serious public safety risk. In addition, the welfare of these pet animals also raises serious concerns. It is impossible to house these animals in optimal conditions since they are wild animals who have needs which are more often than not, difficult to meet in captivity.
Both animals are also listed on Appendix I of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Appendix I lists highly endangered species which are threatened with extinction.
“People have come forth to tell us that they have seen these animals but are unwilling to give us the exact address as they do not want to get their friends into trouble. Perhaps a monetary incentive might aid in further investigations and rescuing these animals” said Louis Ng, President of Acres.
Acres is offering a S$1 000 cash reward for any information leading to the successful confiscation of either of these animals.
Anyone with information can call the 24 hours Acres Wildlife Crime Hotline at: 9783 7782.
Contact:
Louis Ng (President and Executive Director)
Email: louis@acres.org.sg
Office: +65 6296 7758
Handphone: +65 97968592
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Notes to editors
1.Photographs of captive tigers and Malayan sun bears are available on request.
2.The Acres Wildlife Crime Hotline (9783 7782) provides an avenue for those who know of anyone who buys, owns or trades in exotic animals, to blow the whistle on these wildlife traders and buyers.
3.Founded by a group of Singaporeans in 2001, Acres is a non-profit organisation aimed at fostering respect and compassion for all animals. Acres’s approach to raising animal welfare issue is to focus on education and back up our advocacy with scientific clarity accrued through research. Using our findings, we will inform the public and work towards synergistic partnerships with the authorities and related parties to improve animal welfare.
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