Plans for Animal Rescue Shelter for Stray Cats Awaiting Adoption

19 Mr Ong Teng Koon asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether there are plans to create an animal rescue shelter for stray cats which are awaiting adoption; and (b) whether there is funding available to house these stray cats in private shelters as they await adoption.

Mr Lawrence Wong: The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) works with 14 Animal Welfare Groups (AWGs) that take in and rehome animals. Nine operate their own shelters, including eight that have taken up or will be taking up tenancy at The Animal Lodge in Sungei Tengah. This was fully funded and built by the Government as an option for AWGs whose premises were affected by development plans. There are also some AWGs that do not maintain a physical shelter, but work with fosterers to temporarily care for the animals before they are adopted.

AVA will continue to work closely with AWGs to manage the stray animal population. Members of the public can also help by volunteering with them, helping with their fund-raising, or adopting animals.