AVS looking into complaint over pony rides at Geylang Serai Ramadan bazaar; operator says it's complying with rules

SINGAPORE — With the buzz over the return of the Geylang Serai Ramadan bazaar this year, pony rides in particular have gone viral on social media. Now, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) said that it has received a complaint over the use of the ponies and is looking into the matter.

Gallop Stable, the operator of the pony rides, told TODAY that the ponies "like to interact with people" and that it is complying with the strict rules put in place by the authorities for the event.

AVS, which is part of the National Parks Board, did not specify the nature of the feedback over the pony rides or who submitted it, but responded to TODAY's queries on Tuesday (March 28) by stating that the operator should be sure to comply with the licensing conditions.

This includes ensuring that the animals are given enough time to rest in between interactions with the public, and ending operations at 10pm as agreed, AVS' group director Jessica Kwok said.

The health and welfare of the animals should be taken care of, and they should not subjected to stress.

"AVS will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any breaches to the licensing conditions," she added.

She also said that AVS will continue to monitor the animal exhibition event and conduct checks for compliance until the event concludes on April 21.

Gallop Stable's founder Jackuda, who goes by one name, said that the firm had already demonstrated to the authorities how many hours of rest the ponies get, how they are kept away from distractions and how they are transported.

"This is never a business for us," he told TODAY on Sunday.

"This is giving back. This is Ramadan month and we want to give back to the people who cannot afford (such access to ponies)," Mr Jackuda said.

TODAY also sought comment from Ms Anbarasi Boopal, co-chief executive officer of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres), over how AVS could better regulate such forms of animal entertainment.

She said: "We hope that such forms of using animals purely for entertainment is not encouraged at events. We also hope that organisers will look into other means of educating and inspiring the youth to help the animals or the environment.

"Singapore already bans circuses using wildlife (excluding horses), and also requires licences to exhibit animals in public spaces.

"So we hope considerations are put in place to ensure that animals aren't transported purely for the entertainment purposes, with little or no education value. We have even previously shared our concerns on the display and transport of cows for Pongal festivities with crowds at Little India."

She added that Acres intends to send a joint letter with other animal welfare organisations to AVS and the organisers to share their concerns.

The letter would emphasise that animal interactions with the public "be limited to where the animals are originally kept... instead of transporting them to a bazaar environment with noise, light, heat, transportation and crowds".