mr funny
25-04-11, 16:00
http://www.straitstimes.com/Singapore/Story/STIStory_660064.html
Apr 23, 2011
Condo's pet peeve
Faber Crest management plans to fine owners for mess but residents against idea
By Huang Lijie & Royston Sim
BOSSES at a condominium are considering fining residents $200 if their pets answer the call of nature in common areas - even outdoors.
But pet owners have given The Straits Times their verdict on the proposal - it stinks.
The management of Faber Crest condominium in Clementi sent out a notice to residents on Tuesday, saying it plans to impose the fee on owners whose pets are caught urinating in common areas.
Other condominiums fine residents similar amounts for failing to clean up their pets' droppings.
But the fact that Faber Crest residents could find themselves being penalised simply because their pet has answered the call of nature has caused some of them to cry foul.
Scottish terrier owner Chua Ling-Yen, who has lived there for nine years, said the proposed rule is 'taking things too far'. The 40-year-old university lecturer said: 'I agree that pet owners are irresponsible when they let their pets urinate in common areas such as the lift landing.
'But it is animal cruelty to not allow pets to pee on grass.'
The proposed rule is up for a vote at the condominium's annual general meeting on May 14, where it requires 75 per cent to pass.
It would apply equally to residents, guests and domestic helpers. Those failing to clean up their pet's mess would also be fined $200. If the rule is passed, the management or security guards will catch errant pet owners.
The management said the rule was needed because pet owners are refusing to clean up after their animals in common areas such as lawns and pathways.
Mr Samuel Teong, manager of the 361-unit condominium, said efforts to educate them about the problem using notices and posters had not worked.
He said yellow and brown patches were appearing on the newly-turfed lawn and the grass was being killed.
Mr Teong added: 'It is costly to keep patching the grass and it diverts attention away from other maintenance costs.'
Resident Jack Chiang, 45, an accountant who does not own a pet, said there are 'quite a few' brown patches dotting the lawn. But he said proper education for pet owners is a better solution.
'The easy way out is to impose a fine, but it is hard to catch the culprits. For some, the maids are the ones taking care of the pets and they may not know that they need to clean up after the animals.'
Resident Daisy Leong, 45, a tax consultant who owns a pomeranian, said she and other pet owners plan to canvass support among residents to persuade them to vote against the rule.
The Building Maintenance (Strata Management) Regulations, which apply to condominiums, state that a resident 'shall not keep any animal upon his lot or the common property which may cause annoyance'. It allows condominium managements to pass by-laws to manage problems. These have to be lodged with the Building and Construction Authority but are not subject to its approval.
Ms Deirdre Moss, executive director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said: 'It is unreasonable if dogs cannot pee anywhere outdoors because it is a natural habit.'
[email protected]
[email protected]
How other condos handle the issue
# Queens Condominium
No fine imposed for pet excrement.
# The Madeira Condominium
$100 cleaning charge for not clearing up pets' excrement.
# Kovan Melody Condominium
$100 cleaning fee for not clearing up pets' excrement.
# Blue Horizon Condominium
A warning letter will be sent to residents. Recalcitrant offenders will be reported to the National Environment Agency.
# The Bayshore Condominium
No fine imposed. There is an area set aside as a 'pet lavatory'.
Apr 23, 2011
Condo's pet peeve
Faber Crest management plans to fine owners for mess but residents against idea
By Huang Lijie & Royston Sim
BOSSES at a condominium are considering fining residents $200 if their pets answer the call of nature in common areas - even outdoors.
But pet owners have given The Straits Times their verdict on the proposal - it stinks.
The management of Faber Crest condominium in Clementi sent out a notice to residents on Tuesday, saying it plans to impose the fee on owners whose pets are caught urinating in common areas.
Other condominiums fine residents similar amounts for failing to clean up their pets' droppings.
But the fact that Faber Crest residents could find themselves being penalised simply because their pet has answered the call of nature has caused some of them to cry foul.
Scottish terrier owner Chua Ling-Yen, who has lived there for nine years, said the proposed rule is 'taking things too far'. The 40-year-old university lecturer said: 'I agree that pet owners are irresponsible when they let their pets urinate in common areas such as the lift landing.
'But it is animal cruelty to not allow pets to pee on grass.'
The proposed rule is up for a vote at the condominium's annual general meeting on May 14, where it requires 75 per cent to pass.
It would apply equally to residents, guests and domestic helpers. Those failing to clean up their pet's mess would also be fined $200. If the rule is passed, the management or security guards will catch errant pet owners.
The management said the rule was needed because pet owners are refusing to clean up after their animals in common areas such as lawns and pathways.
Mr Samuel Teong, manager of the 361-unit condominium, said efforts to educate them about the problem using notices and posters had not worked.
He said yellow and brown patches were appearing on the newly-turfed lawn and the grass was being killed.
Mr Teong added: 'It is costly to keep patching the grass and it diverts attention away from other maintenance costs.'
Resident Jack Chiang, 45, an accountant who does not own a pet, said there are 'quite a few' brown patches dotting the lawn. But he said proper education for pet owners is a better solution.
'The easy way out is to impose a fine, but it is hard to catch the culprits. For some, the maids are the ones taking care of the pets and they may not know that they need to clean up after the animals.'
Resident Daisy Leong, 45, a tax consultant who owns a pomeranian, said she and other pet owners plan to canvass support among residents to persuade them to vote against the rule.
The Building Maintenance (Strata Management) Regulations, which apply to condominiums, state that a resident 'shall not keep any animal upon his lot or the common property which may cause annoyance'. It allows condominium managements to pass by-laws to manage problems. These have to be lodged with the Building and Construction Authority but are not subject to its approval.
Ms Deirdre Moss, executive director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said: 'It is unreasonable if dogs cannot pee anywhere outdoors because it is a natural habit.'
[email protected]
[email protected]
How other condos handle the issue
# Queens Condominium
No fine imposed for pet excrement.
# The Madeira Condominium
$100 cleaning charge for not clearing up pets' excrement.
# Kovan Melody Condominium
$100 cleaning fee for not clearing up pets' excrement.
# Blue Horizon Condominium
A warning letter will be sent to residents. Recalcitrant offenders will be reported to the National Environment Agency.
# The Bayshore Condominium
No fine imposed. There is an area set aside as a 'pet lavatory'.