Inspections Conducted on Dog Farms and Pet Shops to Ensure Compliance with Licensing Conditions and Efforts to Prevent Unlicensed Backyard Breeding and Sale

31 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) since 2019, how many inspections have been conducted on dog farms and pet shops to ensure compliance with licensing conditions; (b) of these inspections, what is the number and average amount of penalties issued for non-compliance with licensing conditions; (c) what efforts have been undertaken to prevent unlicensed backyard breeding and sale in Singapore; and (d) whether there are plans to revise the penalties for mistreatment of animals.

Mr Desmond Lee: NParks conducts regular inspections on dog farms and pet shops to ensure compliance with licensing conditions. From 2019 to 2021, NParks conducted around 2,000 inspections on these entities and took enforcement action on 110 cases of non-compliance with licensing conditions. Actions taken included issuing warning letters, composition notices and prosecution in court for serious cases.

To prevent unlicensed backyard breeding and sale of animals in Singapore, NParks carries out investigations and takes enforcement action against illegal home breeding activities. Investigation efforts include conducting surveillance, interviewing eyewitnesses and checking CCTV footage, where offences are suspected. In October 2021, NParks also announced tightened licensing conditions for pet boarders and breeders to raise industry standards and improve the health and welfare of animals.

We are also reviewing the penalties under the Animals and Birds Act, to ensure that they remain effective in deterring acts of animal cruelty and abuse. The review will take into account feedback from consultations with the relevant stakeholders and the public. NParks will continue to work closely with stakeholders to safeguard animal health and welfare in Singapore, and to raise public awareness on responsible pet ownership and animal care.