Review on Dog Training and Behaviour Rehabilitation Practices

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development in view of the new guidelines for dog training and behaviour rehabilitation (a) when will the review of the use of animal training devices such as shock and prong collars, be completed; and (b) whether NParks will consider imposing restrictions on their use while the review is being conducted.

The Rehoming and Adoption Workgroup, comprising NParks, animal welfare groups, veterinarians and trainers, had earlier discussed the use of dog training devices. NParks had also engaged pet owners on this topic through a public consultation exercise in October 2021.

Based on the findings, there was consensus that training devices that cause pain, fear and distress to animals should, generally, be avoided. There were also some trainers and members of the public who viewed that there could be certain circumstances that warrant the use of such devices, and that it was important to ensure their proper use. NParks is further engaging stakeholders, such as dog trainers, animal welfare groups and veterinarians, and will review the use of shock and prong collars this year. This includes developing further guidelines to educate trainers and pet owners on the proper use of training devices. Meanwhile, NParks has since released guidelines on dog training and rehabilitation in January 2022.

Currently, NParks investigates and takes enforcement action in cases where animal training methods cause unnecessary pain or suffering to animals. In line with the recently released dog training and rehabilitation guidelines, NParks will continue to educate pet owners and raise awareness on the least intrusive, minimally aversive approach to animal training, through various platforms, such as online webinars, Pets' Day Out events, workshops and volunteer programmes. This science-based approach takes into account factors, such as an animal's motivational state, stress levels and physical health, in developing a training and behaviour modification plan which is safer and more effective for the animal.