Complaints of Dog Owners Failing to Pick Up after Their Pets
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns complaints regarding dog owners failing to clean up pet waste in public areas, as raised by Mr Saktiandi Supaat. Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that the National Environment Agency received over 1,300 complaints in three years, resulting in four enforcement actions, and noted that offenders can be fined up to $1,000. To encourage responsible ownership, agencies such as the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority and Town Councils conduct educational roadshows and distribute materials. The Minister emphasized that not cleaning up is irresponsible and urged pet owners to be considerate and play their part in keeping Singapore clean.
Transcript
45 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) in the past three years, how many complaints have there been of dog owners who fail to pick up after their pets had defecated in public areas; (b) how can dog owners be encouraged not to let their pets urinate at the pillars in the void decks or the public park furniture; and (c) whether there was any enforcement action taken against these dog owners.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: All pet owners should clean up after their pets in public places. Members of the public who fail to clean up after their pets defecate in public areas can be fined up to $1,000 for the first offence under the Environmental Public Health (Public Cleansing) Regulations.
Over the past three years, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has received more than 1,300 cases of feedback concerning faeces from pet dogs and stray dogs in public areas. As enforcement is challenging due to the transient nature of the offence, actions were only taken in four cases.
NEA, together with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, have been working with the Town Councils to undertake road shows and community events as well as distribute educational materials to educate pet owners to clean up after their pets. Standees are also placed at prominent locations where animal waste is an issue.
Not cleaning up after one's pet is irresponsible behaviour that dirties our environment. I urge all pet owners to be considerate and play their part in keeping Singapore clean.