Pulau Ubin‘s a hidden island of paradise for Singaporeans, who enjoy feeling closer to nature there and cycling through the vast greenery for an all-round weekend healing experience.
One of the highlights for many visitors, especially animal lovers, was getting to make new friends there in the form of lovely community animals, like the beloved dog Kopi-O.
Many Singaporeans were saddened when news of Kopi-O’s passing due to a hit-and-run accident spread around last month. Those who are still seeking closure have decided to plead for action.
Petition To Improve Animal Road Safety
Facebook page In Honor Of Kopi-O started a petition on 21 Feb following the passing of the dog, calling for better action and addressing animal road safety concerns.
The petition was addressed to the National Parks Board (NParks), Mr Louis Ng, the MP of Nee Soon GRC, and the Singapore Police Force (SPF), and has garnered over 3,300 signatures so far.
The driver involved in the hit-and-run incident that killed Kopi-O has reached a settlement with his owner, yet some still found it insufficient to the closure of this case.
The page claimed that Kopi-O was “the people’s dog”, as he had actively gone out to connect with various visitors on the island.
Prior to the incident, the driver had allegedly been speeding down a narrow lane. Greater accountability and tougher penalties should thus be meted out for those involved in road kills, wrote the petition.
The Road Traffic Act currently stipulates that drivers involved in such incidents only have to inform the owner within 24 hours, provide their particulars, and move the stricken so as not to cause an obstruction – yet many animals may not have specific owners, they said.
As Pulau Ubin has many forested roads and areas, certain vehicles may not be appropriate for travelling there, which needs to be looked at as well.
Kopi-O’s death is still under investigation, and the petition wishes for NParks to update the public with findings on the case to provide proper closure to those who loved the dog.
Requests For Direct Vet Support And First-Aid On Pulau Ubin
Unfortunately, when Kopi-O was hit and required emergency medical attention, he had to be taken to the mainland by residents to see a vet – but by then, it was too late.
As such, the petition also wished for there to be first aid or veterinary support available on Pulau Ubin.
This easier access to such services may prove to be critical in saving the lives of animals if similar incidents occur in future.
You can find the petition here.
May Kopi-O rest in peace, and hopefully, with action taken, such a loss will not occur ever again.
Featured Image: Facebook (In Honor Of Kopi-O)
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