Updated: 05/02/2014 20:00 | By Channel NewsAsia
SPCA proposes jail term for animal abuser
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SINGAPORE: The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has proposed a jail term for the businessman who was sentenced to a maximum fine for animal cruelty.
Lim Soo Seng was fined S$10,000 last week for failing to seek timely treatment for his pet dog which died.
In a statement to the media, SPCA's Executive Director Corinne Fong said the maximum fine of S$10,000 is insufficient for "such an extreme and torturous act of neglect and cruelty".
This is even though it is the first time a maximum fine has been handed out.
The dog had been adopted from the SPCA, and Ms Fong said its ordeal could have been avoided had its owners brought it to the vet.
Ms Fong said Mr Lim had failed to provide proper care despite his helper bringing to his attention the dog's deteriorating condition a month before its death.
She said a jail term would provide a stronger deterrent, especially for offenders who can afford to pay the maximum fine.
Ms Fong urged the authorities to look into this, saying a message must be sent out that perpetrators "of such cruel acts of animal neglect will be severely dealt with". - CNA/xq
