Pet neglect is becoming a thing because of this influencer

News release sample written for #KeepThemFit Social Campaign.

Disclaimer: This is purely written for a school assignment. It is not an actual campaign.

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Local influencer is receiving backlash over this photo showcasing an apparent case of animal abuse.

Over the weekend, there has been a buzz surrounding a certain influencer who posted a photo of herself cuddling her pet cat with a caption celebrating a successful vegan diet.

You would want to feel happy for her - until your eyes fall on the cat in her arms.

The white feline lying in her arms look nowhere near to a healthy cat. Looking frail and sickly thin, one just had to wonder how the cat was treated for it to be in that state.

And the answer is right there when you read further down the caption.

Quoting the caption, it says, “I’m so proud of my baby munchkin Naya for going through this vegan journey with me. It took her some time to get used to the vegan diet but she pulled through and I’m such a proud mama!”

Most commenters were appalled at the lack of awareness and consideration this influencer has towards her pet.

“This is a showcase of pet neglect at its finest,” one commenter said.

SPCA, the Singapore Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, caught a whiff of this issue and has acted upon this incident. They have taken to their Facebook yesterday and called out this deliberate act of animal abuse, stating, “Animals are by no means should ever be put on a vegan diet as they need their proper nutrients and protein.” They further added, “Animals are not humans. They are not programmed to eat like us.”

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the issue surrounding pet neglect, wherein the masses - pet owners and non-pet owners alike - are overlooking the well-being of their pets or they simply don’t take enough notice of their pets’ needs.

These photos showcase instances where pet owners are neglecting their pets - directly or indirectly.

Ms. Selina Sebastian, the Deputy Executive Director and Head of Education in SPCA, has this to say, “We need to realise that there is a certain commitment that owners need to dedicate, in which they need to care for their pets like how one would care for a child.”

SPCA recently conducted a survey, which found more than 50% of the responders who are pet owners, admitted that due to hectic work schedules, they have lesser time for their pets.

Along with this incident involving the influencer, it is considered timely as SPCA launches its new campaign to raise awareness on pet neglect called ‘#KeepThemFit’. Centering around the issue of pet obesity, SPCA aims to educate the public on the risks of pet neglect and the importance of keeping pets at their utmost optimum health through their latest campaign.

Certain influencers and owners who are risking their pets’ well-being have to be aware of the consequences they are partaking in this negligence - directly or indirectly - especially if there is a huge following of people that would be influenced by what is put out by them at the expense of their pets.

The local-based influencer has since deleted the photo after the massive backlash from the public, including some from her own followers.

SPCA will be working with Debbie Soon, who is an influencer on her own merits and an advocate to many pet causes, SPCA will be launching its digital campaign this weekend.

Debbie also runs her own pet bakery called The Woof Bakery.

More information on the campaign can be found on SPCA’s website at http://www.spca.org.sg/campaign_keepthemfit.asp.