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MPs want stricter rules for sale of animals

SINGAPORE — While the proposed amendments to the laws governing animal welfare were passed in Parliament yesterday, lawmakers also raised issues that were not covered by the legislation, such as the sale of animals.

SINGAPORE — While the proposed amendments to the laws governing animal welfare were passed in Parliament yesterday, lawmakers also raised issues that were not covered by the legislation, such as the sale of animals.

During the debate on the Animals and Birds (Amendment) Bill, Member of Parliament Baey Yam Keng (Tampines GRC) urged the Ministry of National Development to limit the number of pet farms and stores as well as the number of animals being sold, given the “mass adoption exercises” that have emerged in recent years when pet farms closed down or were unable to sell their “excess stock”.

Ms Tin Pei Ling (Marine Parade GRC) suggested improving the traceability of pets, such as requiring subsequent pet owners to register themselves with the authorities, while Dr Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC) raised concerns about additional costs for smaller pet-related businesses under the new laws.

Responding to the issues raised, Minister of State (National Development) Desmond Lee noted the need to strike a balance amid the varied views on animal issues, with some advocating stricter laws to raise animal welfare standards, while others are concerned animals could be a public nuisance.

Echoing the views of Mr Yeo Guat Kwang (Ang Mo Kio GRC), who is also chairman of the Animal Welfare Legislation Review Committee, Mr Lee said the aim of the amended laws was to take a responsive and preventive approach to animal welfare and to nip problems in the bud.

First tabled as a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament last month, the amended laws will include tiered penalties for acts of cruelty and neglect to animals.

Repeat offenders of animal cruelty can be fined up to S$30,000 and/or sentenced to a three-year jail term, while animal-related businesses can be fined up to S$100,000 and/or sentenced to a three-year jail term.

Repeat offenders who fail to provide reasonable care can be fined up to S$20,000 and/or sentenced to a two-year jail term.

Animal-related businesses can be fined up to S$100,000 and/or sentenced to a three-year jail term.

Also, staff working with animals in animal-related businesses will now have to be trained and certified in animal care and handling.

The amended Act will also adopt a code to set the standards for animal welfare, while enforcement powers will be enhanced, where the authorities can issue directives to require an individual to improve the care of an animal.

Acknowledging Ms Tin’s concerns, Mr Lee said the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority will be reviewing its rules on dog licensing to explore whether owners must inform it of changes in ownership.

Responding to Mr Baey’s calls to limit the sale of animals, Mr Yeo said while many suggestions have been considered — such as introducing the concept of a Certificate of Entitlement for pet ownership — the setting of a threshold for the supply of pets is “not the right approach” and runs the risk of driving underground pet sales and breeding.

“The way to go is to increase public and pet ownership education, raise the standards in the industry and allow the market to sort it out by itself,” he added.

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