Clarification by Minister of State for National Development
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This clarification concerns a factual correction by Minister of State Alvin Tan regarding his speech during the Second Reading of the Veterinary Practice Bill. Minister of State Alvin Tan rectified the stated increase in the maximum financial penalty for unlawful practice, clarifying that it would rise by $40,000 rather than $4,000. The total penalty will reach $50,000, up from the $10,000 provided under the current Act, to better safeguard animal health against unauthorised services. The Minister of State emphasized that this increase strengthens deterrence against profit-driven motives and aligns with penalties applicable in human healthcare professions. Ultimately, the Bill introduces these enhanced offences and penalties to prevent misrepresentation and safeguard animal welfare from risks posed by non-veterinarians.
Transcript
The following statement was made by the Minister of State for National Development (Mr Alvin Tan) during the Second Reading of the Veterinary Practice Bill on 8 April 2026:
The Minister of State for National Development (Mr Alvin Tan): As we have observed a growth in the range of animal-related services offered by non-vets that may pose a risk to animal health and welfare, Part 4 of the Bill will introduce various offences and penalties to safeguard against unlawful practice and misrepresentation by or about unauthorised persons. The Bill will raise the maximum financial penalty to $50,000 – a $4,000 increase compared to the current level of $10,000 provided under the ABA. This strengthens deterrence against profit-driven motives and was benchmarked with penalties applicable in human healthcare professions. [Please refer to "Veterinary Practice Bill", Official Report, 8 April 2026, Vol 96, Issue 28, Second Reading Bills section.]
Written statement by Mr Alvin Tan circulated with the leave of the Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order No. 29(5):
I wish to make the following factual correction to my speech given during the Sitting of 8 April 2026. My statement should read as follows:
The Minister of State for National Development (Mr Alvin Tan): As we have observed a growth in the range of animal-related services offered by non-vets that may pose a risk to animal health and welfare, Part 4 of the Bill will introduce various offences and penalties to safeguard against unlawful practice and misrepresentation by or about unauthorised persons. The Bill will raise the maximum financial penalty to $50,000 – a $40,000 increase compared to the current level of $10,000 provided under the ABA. This strengthens deterrence against profit-driven motives and was benchmarked with penalties applicable in human healthcare professions.