Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of advocating for an end to animal cruelty in Asia. ACRES is registered as an International NGO in Lao PDR and in Australia.
ACRES have six focus areas: Tackling Wildlife Crime, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Addressing Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.
Tackling Wildlife Crime
The illegal wildlife trade subjects billions of animals to pain and suffering, and threatens to wipe out countless species. At ACRES, we combat this wildlife trade through our 24-hour Wildlife Crime Hotline, undercover investigations, public awareness campaigns and collaborations with other NGOs and the government. Our investigations have led to the capture of many wildlife criminals. Our campaigns and engagements with the government have led to vast improvements to national wildlife protection laws.
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation
In 2009, we opened the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre (AWRC) in Singapore. In 2012, we established the ACRES Lao Wildlife Sanctuary. We now rescue, treat and rehabilitate hundreds of wild animals every year, some from the illegal exotic pet trade and others native to the forests in Singapore and Lao PDR that are found injured, lost or disorientated. We run our wildlife rescue services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The facilities operate on a “no kill” policy.
Addressing Zoo Animal Welfare
We also conduct scientific investigations into the welfare of animals in zoos and marine parks throughout Asia. We use our findings to raise the standards of captive environments across the region, to ensure that at least the basic needs of the animals are met and to end cruel and exploitative circus-style animal shows. Our work with the zoo community, governments and local NGOs has led to improved welfare standards at zoos in Singapore, Malaysia and Japan.
Humane Education
We never forget that the key to ending animal abuse is education. Our talks, roadshows and Humane Education programmes touch a wide cross section of society, from children in kindergarten to the elderly in the heartland, reaching over 100,000 individuals each year. We travel to schools as well as malls, both downtown and in the heartland. And almost every other day, we get a busload of school children visiting our Education Centre and Outdoor Conservation Classroom at the AWRC. Our aim is to encourage empathy, compassion and respect for animals as well as other human beings, and to inspire and empower children to change their world for the better.
Community Outreach
We currently have over 20,000 volunteers and supporters in our database. Our volunteer opportunities promote volunteerism in Singapore and create a more caring and compassionate society. We also distribute grants for local animal protection projects, organise conferences and forums and encourage people to become involved in global animal protection campaigns.
Promoting Cruelty-Free Living
Through our Cruelty-Free Living educational materials, we raise awareness about a wide range of household products, food items and fashion accessories that are either tested on animals or cause needless suffering and death in animal labs and factory farms. Our aim is to get consumers to make more humane, considerate and compassionate choices in their daily life.
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