Assessment of Neighbour Disputes Involving Pet Parrots, Adequacy of Existing Guidance and Licensing Requirements for Higher-maintenance Species

64 Mr Gabriel Lam asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether NParks has assessed the growing incidence of neighbour disputes involving pet parrots; (b) whether existing guidance adequately balances animal welfare and residential amenity; and (c) whether additional owner education or licensing requirements are being considered for higher-maintenance species.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Over the past five years, the number of neighbour disputes involving pet parrots received by the Municipal Services Office has been decreasing.

The National Parks Board (NParks) will continue to work closely with veterinarians, parrot behaviour experts and animal groups to develop guidance materials promoting responsible parrot ownership. For instance, the recently launched revised edition of the Parrot Care Handbook, developed by the Parrot Society (Singapore) and supported by NParks, guides owners on good care practices and managing parrots' behaviours, such as vocalisation.