Debated in Parliament on 5 Jun 2020.
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development with regard to people seeking to euthanise their healthy dog or cat (a) whether the Ministry will make it compulsory for them to produce documented proof that they have (i) attempted to rehome the animal and (ii) received certification from an Animal and Veterinary Service-accredited trainer that the animal, if aggressive, is untrainable; and (b) whether it will be made compulsory for veterinarians to wait for a pre-determined length of time before euthanising the animal, during which the animal's details are published on websites of NParks and animal welfare groups to facilitate rehoming.
All veterinarians in Singapore must comply with the Code of Ethics for Veterinarians. Under the Code, veterinarians are required to take into account public safety and animal welfare in deciding on the course of treatment for an animal. The Code states that veterinarians must consider other treatment options prior to considering euthanasia. It also allows veterinarians to reject an owner's request for euthanasia, should he or she deem it inappropriate. Failure to comply with the Code can result in enforcement action being taken against the veterinarian.
Mr Ng has raised several suggestions, which we will consider carefully, and in consultation with all stakeholders. In particular, NParks will continue to work with the Singapore Veterinary Association on these matters, and ensure that the Code of Ethics remains up to date with developments in the veterinary industry and international best practices. NParks will also continue to work with its partners to promote awareness of behavioural training options and rehoming avenues amongst pet owners.
All parties, be it pet owners, animal welfare groups, dog trainers, or veterinarians, have duties and responsibilities regarding the adoption and euthanasia of pets. We will need everyone to do their part, even as we continue to update our regulatory rules and requirements.
PAPERCUTS