bartley 3E ss eoy paper 2023 (qn)

SECTION A (Source-Based Case Study) Answer all questions. Exploring Citizenship and Governance Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions, you should use your knowledge of the issue to help you interpret and evaluate the sources. 1 Study Source A. What is the message in this source? Explain your answer. [5] 2 Study Source B Do you think the speaker is supportive of the legal handling of animal abuse offences in Singapore? Explain your answer. [6] 3 Study Source D Why did the President of Cat Welfare Society say this? Explain your answer. [7] 4 Study Sources E and F How similar are these two sources? Explain your answer. [7] 5 ‘The individual is responsible to ensure animal welfare in Singapore.’ Using the sources in the case study, how far would you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

Who should be responsible for animal welfare in Singapore? BACKGROUND INFORMATION In Singapore, it is a legal offence to abandon pets or commit any act of animal cruelty towards animals. Even first-time offenders of this crime will have to face harsh legal consequences. The National Parks Board is a key government agency that takes charge of investigating animal abuse cases and taking enforcement action against offenders. Other animal welfare groups in Singapore have been co-working with the government in investigating cases of animal abuse and abandonment. They have also been educating the public on animal welfare issues. Despite all these ongoing efforts, there has been growing concern and frustration amongst the public that some inconsiderate members of society are still being very inhumane towards these vulnerable animals like cats and dogs and not taking responsibility towards caring for their well-being. Study the following sources to find out whether it is the individuals who should be responsible to ensure animal welfare in Singapore. Source A : A poster on animal abuse published by Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in their website in 2022.

Source B : Extract of an interview with Ms Kwok a senior officer in The National Board Parks in Singapore, who is in charge of animal welfare too, published in The Straits Times in 2022. Ms Kwok explained that investigations into cases of animal cruelty and poor animal welfare are often complex. Among the challenges are a lack of eyewitnesses and direct evidence, and cases being reported late or not being reported at all. Sometimes, carcasses had already been disposed of or were found to be in bad condition, “making post -mortem analyses impossible”, she added. “If we had funding, we could hire a full-time education executive to go to every school and run a programme, give assembly talks, or even mentor tertiary students for their projects.” Source C : Extracted from an interview with the President of Cat Welfare Society Singapore in June 2023.This was published in The Straits Times in April 2023. Punishment for animal abusers in Singapore is too lenient. We propose that a mental health doctor and an animal abuse investigation officer conduct regular check ins on animal abuse offenders to assess if their disqualification period to owning a pet should be increased or decreased. The government and related authorities will question our proposal that it will only strain more manpower and resources. They must accept this as a trade-off for a good cause in the long run! Source D : Adapted from a speech by Minister Mr Louis Ng, broadcasted in Channel news Asia in May 2023. He is also the founder of ACRES, a well-known animal protection organization in Singapore. Stories of animal abuse have emerged in the news with worrying frequency. Several cases of animal cruelty and abuse have also come before the Court. It is time for us to increase the penalties for animal abuse and extend the time offenders can be disqualified from owning animals. However, government alone cannot do this single handedly with fines and jail sentences. We must nip the problem in the bud. Hence, educators, parents, charities, and every other Singaporean must join us in fighting against animal abuse and inculcate a caring culture towards animals in our young. As a nation, we must build a gracious society towards animals too.

Source E: Extracted from an article by The Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on the use of electric collars on pet dogs. The use of the collars is already banned in many advanced European countries. It is not a humane way to teach an animal using painful punishment. Will we humans learn well when under threat of physical harm? Even with the existing animal protection laws in Singapore, the amount of complaints received by the government regarding animal abuse rose sharply in the past few years. At SPCA, we will continue to conduct educational campaigns on animal welfare issues and encourage the adoption of painless and humane training methods. But then, the onus is on every individual too who needs to practice what we teach them! *An electric collar is a device that transmits electric currents to give the dog a signal. Source F: From an online article posted by a pet owner who has been using electric collar on his pet dog for one and a half years, November 2020. When I was first found out about the electric collar, I was not convinced by it. However, electric collars do not cause any pain at all when used appropriately. It is like a tap on the shoulder. The use of the electric collar can make a dog more obedient. No doubt, it can be used to abuse, which is why education is necessary. Pet owners and trainers must learn how to train pets in a safe and responsible manner. A ban on electric collars will not stop abusers as they will always explore new methods to cause harm on animals. Instead of a ban, the government should consider rehabilitative measures against animal abuse offenders.

SECTION B (Structured-Response Question) Living in a Diverse Society Study the extracts carefully, and then answer the questions. Extract 1 HOME is a charity in Singapore that provides generous support for domestic helpers and other migrant workers who suffer abuse and exploitation. They provide financial, emotional, social and employment related support services for the migrant workers in need of help. Extract 2 A perennial concern among Singaporeans when it comes to the presence of foreigners on the island is the anxiety over the increased competition with foreigners for career or educational opportunities. Extract 3 The diverse society in Singapore sees unpleasant incidents of racial prejudice shown by locals against foreigners in public spaces or even social media which reflects how the locals view the foreigners negatively.

6. Extract 1 shows a local charity who provide social support for domestic helpers in Singapore ensuring their well-being. In your opinion, in what ways can ordinary Singaporeans show their care and concern for their migrant domestic helpers? Explain your answer with two suggestions. [7] 7. Extract 2 and Extract 3 highlight the challenges of living in a diverse society like Singapore. Do you think competition for resources is more challenging than prejudice and misconceptions in a diverse society like Singapore. [8] END OF PAPER Copyright Acknowledgements Source