How much is that doggie in the window?
It’s been a long journey to Singapore for Troy, a 10-month old purebred Doberman Pinscher who was born in a breeding kennel in Surabaya. He arrived here on 13 Jul, following a long period of grooming, vaccination and quarantine.
After being picked out as a puppy by his new owner last December, he had his ears cropped and his tail docked. While considered controversial by some, organisations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) have said that “Ear cropping and tail docking are historical procedures… that help some dogs better and more safely perform the functions for which they are originally bred.”
Troy was then housed for a further six months after being given a rabies shot, thanks to strict anti-rabies regulations by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA). At the end of the quarantine period, he was sent to Jakarta – imported animals must depart from the Indonesian capital – before being flown here.
Troy is now undergoing a month-long quarantine at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Centre, which currently houses about 140 dogs and cats. Risk management firm CEO Raj Joshua Thomas, 35, has been visiting him every day, so it can get used to its new owner. Mr Thomas imported him via a dog breeder he found online, as Dobermans are not easily available here.
"I just like the breed. It has personality. Their nature is such that they are protective, but also gentle. They are very sleek and sporty. They have a reputation for being vicious, but they are actually good family dogs and good with kids,” says Mr Thomas, who already owns two other dogs.
Bringing Troy here did not come cheap, or easily. Including the actual price of the dog, quarantine, boarding, medical tests and certification, the total cost came to about $10,000. Among other requirements, Mr Thomas had to apply for an AVA Import License, and obtain a Veterinary Health Certificate.
Just how popular is the practice of importing pets? In response to queries from Yahoo Singapore, an AVA spokesman said that in 2014, there were approximately 200 commercial and personal consignments of dogs and cats imported into Singapore. Commercial consignments usually hold up to 30-odd animals, and personal consignments usually hold up to five animals.
He added: "Over the past three years, there has been an increase of imports of dogs and cats. Popular dog breeds include Labrador retrievers and malteses.
Owners should plan ahead when making arrangements for their pets to enter Singapore. We recommend planning a few months ahead, as your pet will need to undergo some vaccinations, blood tests, and veterinary examinations. Owners also need to apply for the dog licenses, import licences and reserve a space in our quarantine station, where applicable."
Owners like Mr Thomas are more than happy to splash out on their pets, even if his new acquisition is having some teething problems: “Troy was originally named Trojan, but he doesn't respond to that name. You have to pronounce it the Indonesia way - Tro-jan.”
