Pet owners found guilty of abusing animals under their care may be forbidden from keeping any pets for up to a year, said Minister for National Development Desmond Lee. This information was delivered via a written parliamentary reply on Sep. 10, where Lee shared deterrence measures put in place by the government to prevent animal abusers from reoffending. This comes after an unprecedented number of animal cruelty and welfare cases surfaced in the country. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) investigated 915 such cases in 2023 — the highest in 11 years.
Background
The surge in animal cruelty cases has prompted the government to take stricter measures against offenders. The SPCA’s report highlighted a worrying trend, with 915 cases investigated in 2023 alone. This alarming figure has led to calls for more robust enforcement and penalties to deter potential abusers and protect animal welfare.
Penalties for individuals
According to Lee, a pet owner caught abusing their animal will have to surrender or rehome all pets under their care. The National Parks Board (NParks) may also issue them a disqualification order and withhold issuing them a licence to own pets. The offender will not be able to purchase, own, or be in charge of any animal for the duration of the disqualification order, which can extend up to 12 months. Failure to comply with the terms will be considered a criminal offence under the Animals and Birds Act. Lee added that animal cruelty included not just violence towards animals but also failure to take proper care of them. Offenders may face an imprisonment term, a fine, or both.
Penalties for businesses
In their 2023 report, the SPCA found that 31 animal cruelty and welfare cases involved pet businesses. Lee said those working in animal-related businesses will face heftier consequences for animal cruelty offences. “Such individuals are expected to uphold higher standards of animal welfare in a professional setting,” he stated. Heavier penalties will be dealt to those committing second or subsequent animal welfare offences. Animal-related businesses, such as pet shops, may also be issued a disqualification order, asking them to cease operations for a certain period, which could be up to 12 months. “NParks will revoke the company’s pet shop licence, and will not issue new pet shop licences to companies that are serving out their disqualification order,” added Lee. Members of the public can inform NParks of animal welfare offences and breaches of disqualification orders via the NParks website.
Related stories
The issue of animal cruelty has been a persistent problem, with several high-profile cases making headlines. In November 2023, a pet salon in Katong faced backlash after staff were caught caning a dog, leading to public outrage and an apology from the business. Similarly, in July 2024, a pet groomer was forced to close shop after using a cable tie to muzzle a dog, sparking further debate on the need for stricter regulations. These incidents underscore the importance of the new measures and the government’s commitment to ensuring animal welfare.
