Major Overhaul: Singapore's NParks to Reinforce Animal Welfare Laws Amid Rising Cruelty Cases

SINGAPORE – In a pivotal move to enhance protections for animal health and welfare, alongside public safety, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Animals and Birds Act, as well as the Code of Animal Welfare. This initiative comes in response to a troubling uptick in animal cruelty cases that have sparked public outrage.

Dr. Chang Siow Foong, the director-general of AVS, emphasized that the reviews will also assess penalties under the Animals and Birds Act, ensuring they remain a robust deterrent against acts of cruelty and abuse. The push for reform surfaces five years after the agency's initial review began in August 2019, post the transfer of animal-related responsibilities from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority to NParks.

The urgency behind this review can be traced to several horrific incidents that have captured the attention of animal rights advocates. Recently, Barrie Lin Pengli, 32, faced charges for what prosecutors described as "one of the worst cases of animal cruelty." He was accused of horrifying acts against cats in the Ang Mo Kio area, including brutal physical abuse and killing two cats by throwing them from high-rise buildings. The prosecution is seeking a 24-month prison sentence, set to be pronounced on November 13.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported that between July 2022 and June 2023, it handled 862 cases of cruelty and welfare violations, marking the highest number in over a decade. Among the appalling incidents in 2023, a teenage boy was arrested for attempting to sexually assault a cat, and two severely malnourished cats were discovered locked in a cage alongside the remains of three others in an apartment.

Under the current stipulations of the Animals and Birds Act, offenders found guilty of animal neglect or abandonment face up to 18 months in prison, fines of up to $15,000, or both. Repeat offenders can receive harsher penalties, illustrating the legal system's commitment to combating animal cruelty. However, it's concerning that around 95% of reported cases of cruelty do not lead to further action due to lack of evidence.

AVS is committed to a holistic enforcement approach, weighing multiple factors before taking action against offenders. Dr. Chang noted, “Our primary focus is on animal health and welfare, which has been central to our operations for the last five years.”

The ongoing review of the Code of Animal Welfare aims to address failures in the duty of care by groomers and pet boarding facilities. Dr. Chang indicated that all commercial pet boarding services must be licensed, and 12 unlicensed operators faced action in the first half of 2024. This follows alarming incidents, such as the death of a corgi in a grooming mishap, inciting calls from Members of Parliament for stricter penalties and licensing similar to those for pet breeders.

Amidst these reforms, the introduction of a cat licensing scheme on September 1, 2024, has opened the door for HDB flat owners to legally keep cats for the first time since 1989. A two-year transition period until August 31, 2026, will allow pet owners to adapt, with a mandate that all pet cats be microchipped and licensed by the end of the period.

In addition to legislative modifications, AVS is enhancing biosecurity measures and research initiatives to bolster the One Health approach, integrating animal health with public safety. The agency continues to promote public awareness through community events like Pets’ Day Out, reinforcing its commitment to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

As the reviews proceed, stakeholders hope the strengthened laws will not only penalize offenders effectively but also cultivate a more compassionate environment for animals across Singapore.