Understand the challenges of animal rescue before passing judgments: Shanmugam

“ALL, which is a no-kill shelter, takes in abandoned animals and strays, animals which could be in a worse-off condition if left on the streets. Many of these animals are also old and sick and very hard to care for or rehome. And these animals have a second chance at life because of Mohan’s hard work,” he said.

Mr Shanmugam, who is an animal lover himself and has adopted dogs as pets, said it has not been easy for Mr Mohan and ALL over the past years, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Donations reduced. Funds dwindled. And most of the funds received went towards the medical bills for animals,” he said.

Mr Shanmugam said there may be lapses along the way, and matters could have been better managed.

“But Mohan’s actions stem from good intentions. He should perhaps have sought help publicly when his funds ran low, and been more realistic about what he and his team could do,” he said.

Since December 2024, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) has received reports from volunteers concerned about the health and welfare of the animals under ALL’s care.

Mr Shanmugam said these animal welfare concerns raised have to be addressed and that AVS has tried to manage the situation by engaging ALL and working with its volunteers, as well as with other animal welfare groups and independent fosterers on the ground.

“It is good that AVS is taking steps to deal with the situation. The animals need to be cared for,” he said, adding that people should understand the challenges before passing judgments.

“The focus now has to be on how we can all play a part in supporting animal welfare.”