Licensing of Cat Breeders Since Implementation of Guidelines
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the licensing of commercial cat breeders following the implementation of new guidelines in 2023. Ms Hazel Poa, on behalf of Mr Leong Mun Wai, inquired about the number of licensed breeders, regularization of unlicensed operations, and cat seizure statistics. Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How replied that NParks has licensed three commercial cat breeders, all currently operating at The Animal Lodge. Between January 2023 and August 2024, NParks investigated 58 cases of illegal breeding and seized 91 cats, which remain under veterinary care. Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How emphasized that the public should purchase cats only from licensed sources to ensure animal health and welfare.
Transcript
The following question stood in the name of Mr Leong Mun Wai –
18 To ask the Minister for National Development (a) how many cat breeders have been licensed since implementation of the cat-breeding guidelines in 2023; (b) how many licensed cat breeders are currently renting units at The Animal Lodge; (c) how many unlicensed cat breeders has NParks identified since 2023; (d) whether measures are taken to assist unlicensed cat breeders in regularising their operations before actions are taken against them; and (e) how many cats have been seized from these unlicensed cat breeders since 2023.
Ms Hazel Poa (Non-Constituency Member): Question No 18.
The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Mr Tan Kiat How) (for the Minister for National Development): Sir, under the Animals and Birds (Licensing of Premises for Pet Shop and other Purposes) Rules, a valid licence is required to breed animals for commercial purposes. Since the licensing conditions for commercial breeding of pet cats were published in July 2023, the National Parks Board (NParks) has licensed three commercial cat breeders. These cat breeders are currently renting units at The Animal Lodge. NParks will continue to monitor the demand for commercial cat breeding and allocate newly available units for cat breeding, where appropriate.
NParks investigates reports of the illegal commercial breeding of cats and takes enforcement action against offenders. Between January 2023 and August 2024, NParks investigated 58 cases of illegal cat breeding and seized 91 cats from these illegal breeders. These cats remain under the care of NParks and are regularly assessed by veterinarians.
Members of the public who wish to purchase cats should only do so from licensed sources, which are subject to licensing conditions to safeguard animal health and welfare and are regularly inspected by NParks.