Measures to Expedite Relocation of Free-roaming Chickens to Reduce Noise Disturbance to Residents

43 Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked the Minister for National Development regarding the relocation of free-roaming chickens which are currently in abundance, from Sin Ming Court to farms, and the limit of 10 non-commercial poultry that each premise can accommodate (a) what measures will NParks provide to assist in expediting this relocation; and (b) what procedures does NParks have in place to expedite the implementation of such measures to help reduce the noise disturbance which residents have repeatedly given feedback on.

Mr Desmond Lee: NParks takes a community- and science-based approach to managing the issue of free-roaming chickens in residential estates. In November 2021, a group comprising residents as well as representatives from NParks, ACRES, People's Association and the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council was formed to manage this issue in Sin Ming Court.

NParks has been providing technical advice to the group and supporting its various management measures. For example, we have conducted population surveys and have worked with landowners to carry out habitat modification to discourage chickens from roosting close to residential units.

To reduce noise caused by rooster crowing, the group had also moved several roosters away from Sin Ming Court in March this year to suitable shelters, such as farms. The limit of 10 non-commercial poultry at each of these premises is to mitigate the spread of avian disease. This helps to safeguard public and animal health.