Pet Abandonment Cases Investigates and Prosecuted in Past Five Years

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for National Development (a) for each year over the past five years, how many pet animal abandonment cases have been investigated; (b) how many fines and jail terms have been issued; (c) what proportion of these animals are cats; and (d) whether the Ministry will review and strengthen frameworks for investigations into and sentencing for such cases.

Mr Speaker, Sir, NParks investigated 180 alleged cases of pet abandonment in 2017, 225 cases in 2018, 230 cases in 2019, 215 cases in 2020 and 225 cases in 2021. Of these cases, 11 persons were issued composition fines, 21 persons were sentenced in Court and fined, and one was given a jail term. About half the cases investigated, and half the cases for which further action was taken, involved cats.

We take a serious view of pet abandonment, and all acts involving failure in the duty of care for pets. NParks investigates all feedback on alleged pet abandonment and will take enforcement action as appropriate. Individuals who are found guilty of pet abandonment can be charged under the Animals and Birds Act. First-time offenders can face a maximum fine of $10,000, or a jail term of up to 12 months, or both. We will continue to review the penalties under the Act to ensure that they remain effective in deterring acts of pet abandonment.

Thank you, Sir. I thank the Minister of State for the reply. Could I follow up quickly on whether we would consider micro-chipping the cats? This is something I have pushed for for many years because I think that will help to reduce the abandonment of cats, as for example, like dogs that we now license and micro-chip. It is pretty hard to abandon them because we would be able to trace the owners quite easily.

Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for the supplementary question. As the Member would be aware, we have started a comprehensive review of the pet sector, involving various stakeholders, looking at training regimes or trainers, looking at rehabilitation, adoption, routines and practices with the animal welfare groups, engaging breeders and boarders, and also individual pet owners. We have undertaken a review and put in place various new practices, guidelines to raise standards of pet care, training, breeding, boarding, as well as the kinds of licensing regimes.

The Member had asked about the micro-chipping of cats. This will also be taken into consideration as we review the pet sector.

Thank you. Just one question to follow up. I think the Minister of State mentioned that penalties are being reviewed. I think there is feedback from animal rights, animal rescue groups, that some of the sentences for offences that are being seen are below the maximum and may not be so effective as a deterrent. Is there a timeframe for this review of the penalties for pet abandonment?

Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for the supplementary question. As also shared in my reply to Member Mr Louis Ng, we are undertaking – and it is actually in process – quite a comprehensive review of the pet sector. We are looking at the various regimes, regulations, guidelines, best practices and engaging various stakeholders.

As part of this review, we are also reviewing the Animals and Birds Act and we are also looking at the kind of penalty frameworks that are in place. So, certainly, this is one area that we will consider as part of the review and we hope to do so in the coming months and, hopefully, by this year.