Incidents of Pet Abductions Reported and Outcomes

The following question stood in the name of Dr Tan Wu Meng –

14 To ask the Minister for National Development in the past two years (a) how many incidents of pet abductions have been reported; (b) what proportion of these cases have had the pets rescued and returned to their owners well and unharmed; and (c) what is the approach when alleged abductions of community cats, which do not have specific named owners but are well-known in the local community, are reported.

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon): Question No 14, Sir.

The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Mr Tan Kiat How) (for the Minister for National Development): Sir, I understand that Dr Tan is not feeling well, which is why he is not in the Chamber. But he texted me to remind me that this question is on behalf of his Clementi residents.

Sir, instances of pets being abducted or stolen from their owners may be regarded as theft and such cases should be reported to the Police. Over the past two years, the National Parks Board (NParks) has not encountered any such cases.

As for community cats, they live in the open and move about freely, making it challenging to trace their exact whereabouts. There could be various reasons for a community cat going missing. It may have succumbed to other health and safety risks from its environment, such as exposure to the elements, road traffic accidents and diseases. It could also have been adopted. That said, where there are reasonable grounds to believe that a community cat has been abused or mistreated, NParks will investigate and take the appropriate enforcement action.

NParks will continue to work with stakeholders, including community caregivers and animal welfare groups, to promote the welfare of pet and community animals. This includes encouraging responsible pet ownership and community caregiving, as well as the rehoming of suitable animals.

Mr Speaker: Mr Louis Ng.

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang: Thank you, Sir. I am asking this on behalf of Dr Tan Wu Meng and, of course, on behalf of his Clementi residents also. He reminded me to say that.

Dr Tan had a resident who had a community cat which was taken away by another resident who was not from Clementi. Dr Tan was wanting to ask whether there is any recourse or approach to be taken when there is a community cat which is known to the community, but there are no official owners and there are eyewitnesses sharing that the cat was being taken away and there are concerns about this and the cat appears to be distressed as well.

Mr Tan Kiat How: Sir, the adoption of a community cat into one's home does not constitute theft, as such cats do not belong to anyone. That said, in the circumstances that the Member has raised, where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the community cat has been abused, mistreated or is in distress, please let NParks know, NParks will investigate and take the appropriate enforcement action.