AVS seizes 29 cats from suspected illegal breeder; woman, 58, under probe

SINGAPORE — A 58-year-old woman is under probe in connection with a suspected case of illegal backyard breeding, after the authorities seized 29 cats from her home. 

In a statement on Thursday (Jan 13), the National Parks Board (NParks) said that it received a tip-off from a member of the public on Jan 6 about the unlicensed breeding and sale of cats. 

Investigators from its Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) seized the cats on Jan 9 and inspected the woman's home in eastern Singapore, which was believed to be used to breed and sell cats. 

Among the cats seized were 14 female cats, 10 male cats and five kittens.

A pregnant cat, as well as a nursing female cat and its kittens, were taken to a veterinary clinic for observation.

The remaining cats are now under AVS' care in its animal management centre, where veterinarians have assessed them to be in good condition. They would be cared for while investigations are under way. 

NParks said that under the Animals and Birds Act, those found guilty of keeping animals in captivity for sale without a licence could be fined up to S$5,000 or jailed up to six months, or punished with both. 

Those who use premises as a farm without a licence could receive a fine of up to S$10,000 or a jail term of up to a year, or both.

NParks strongly encouraged prospective pet owners to buy pets from licensed pet shops. 

"These are shops that maintain records of each animal that they have kept in their premises, including the source, import date, importer, date of reception, and date of sale of the animal," it said.

Prospective pet owners should not buy pets from unknown sources, including those on online platforms, because their health status is unknown and they may carry diseases.

These animals could also be smuggled and not bred according to the standards of animal health and care that AVS imposes on licensed breeders and pet shops, NParks said. 

"The community, pet owners and the industry have a shared responsibility to safeguard animal health and welfare," it added.

"While NParks continues to ensure that regulations are in place and properly enforced, pet owners, businesses and the public have a part to play."