Causes for Animals Shelter (Hitachi Construction Machinery Asia and Pacific)

Causes for Animals Shelter is a local animal welfare charity set up to support the needs of animal welfare in Singapore. Its mission is to save the lives of the homeless and unwanted companion animals of Singapore and aims to employ programs and policies to promote best practice, ethical, sustainable and compassionate treatment of these animals.

On 19 September 2014, 9 volunteers from HMAP including 7 HMAP Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee members spent a meaningful afternoon tending to the needs of the animals at the shelter which offers safe refuge to 25 dogs of different breeds and sizes requiring care and waiting for adoption. The volunteers also learnt from the shelter’s staff that all the dogs were vaccinated and de-wormed so that they are able to maintain a healthy life. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that the shelter is also home to smaller animals such as rabbits, fowls such as geese, peacocks and cranes, and a variety of fishes.

Under the guidance of the staff at the shelter, the volunteers took turns to walk the dogs in the open compound and the training ground for their regular exercise. The dogs were well behaved as they have been properly trained by the staff at the shelter. They were obviously thrilled to be in the outdoors. It is an indescribable joy to see them enjoying the simplest pleasure in life. The volunteers also rolled up our sleeves cleaning up poo, scrubbing and washing the kennels so that the occupants get to stay in a nice and clean environment. When it was shower time for the dogs, they waited patiently while the towels and shampoo being prepared. Patiently still, they let the volunteers give them a good shower even though we just got to know one another. After their bath, they were taken back to their kennels for their afternoon nap.

Understanding that HMAP is a part of a larger community and to show our support for the disadvantaged animals, HMAP contributed a total amount of S$240.05 in the purchase of canned, dried dog food for the shelter.

It was with much reluctance that we ended our day at the shelter. Before leaving, the volunteers gave the residents lots of cuddles and hugs to let them know that they are not forgotten. HMAP hope our efforts will help raise the awareness of the animal shelter as it continues its good work to provide its residents a safe sanctuary.