Singapore Government Strikes Again

A Haven for the Unwanted

Noah's Ark Lodge is a privately run shelter for homeless animals in Singapore, presently home to 250 dogs, 200 cats, a camel, a pony, and numerous other rabbits, ducks, geese, chickens and other furry creatures. Its residents include such exotic animals as pair of lorises, a cassowary, a python, a civet cat and a ferret.

The shelter was founded six years ago when Raymund Wee, a dog groomer, discovered that a plot of land designated by the Singapore government as a training and breeding ground for dogs, was available for sub-lease. Wee sold his shophouse and opened Noah's Ark Lodge. Since then, he has then put in $1.5 million to develop a 'mudhole' into a lushly foliaged sanctuary for cats, dogs and other animals.

Noah's Ark Lodge is presently the only privately-funded shelter in Singapore for animals that would otherwise be homeless or destroyed. Raymund continues to operate his grooming business for needed funds, and is aided by supporters and volunteers, in caring for the animals.

Dream Turns Into Nightmare

Appeals Denied

Raymund Wee wrote an appeal to the relevant government authorities in early December, asking that he be allowed to lease the land, citing the need for a home for the abandoned and stray animals of Singapore. The appeal was accompanied by a petition with 30 signatures. The government denied his request, stating that the original lessee had no right to sublease the land, and that it would revert back to the government at the end of the lease period, in February, 2000.

On January 3, 2000, Raymund wrote the government again, asking for a temporary stay of the eviction until another suitable home could be found, again citing compassion for the animals.

The government, long known for its lack of compassion for cats, in particular, once again denied Raymund's request. The government's response letter, received January 7th, reiterated that Noah's Ark Lodge was not the legal tenant, and requested that the land be surrendered "in vacant possession" on February 16, 2000.