Effectiveness of Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage Programme for Stray Dogs
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin’s inquiry regarding the efficacy and future of the Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) programme for stray dogs. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee reported that over 3,600 dogs were enrolled since 2018, with more than half successfully sterilised and rehomed or fostered. The National Parks Board assesses the programme as effective, noting a 60% decrease in public feedback on free-roaming dogs since the programme's launch. Efforts continue through the Centre for Animal Rehabilitation to improve the adaptation of sterilised dogs to home environments for better rehoming outcomes. The government is currently monitoring the programme to determine if it should be extended or expanded beyond the initial five-year mark.
Transcript
8 Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether he can provide an update on the Ministry's assessment of the efficacy and limitations of the Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) programme for stray dogs as it nears the five-year mark; (b) what is the estimated number of stray dogs that have been sterilised under the TNRM programme; and (c) whether the TNRM programme is planned to continue or expand past its five-year mark.
Mr Desmond Lee: In November 2018, then-AVA launched the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme, in partnership with animal welfare groups, veterinarians and the community. The TNRM programme is a humane and science-based method to manage the free-roaming dog population through sterilisation.
The National Parks Board (NParks) assesses that the TNRM programme has been effective. Over half of the 3,600 dogs under the programme have been sterilised and successfully rehomed or fostered. The number of cases of public feedback on free-roaming dogs has also decreased by more than 60% since the launch of the TNRM programme.
NParks will continue efforts to improve the rehabilitation and rehoming outcomes for sterilised dogs under the TNRM programme. For example, suitable dogs are enrolled into a canine behaviour rehabilitation programme at the Centre for Animal Rehabilitation, to help them better adapt to home environments. We appreciate the contributions of our animal welfare group partners, veterinarians and the community to the TNRM programme thus far. NParks is monitoring the TNRM programme and will assess the need to extend it beyond the five-year timeline.