Debated in Parliament on 6 Jan 2020.
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked the Minister for National Development whether it is timely now to remove the ban on keeping pet cats in HDB flats and to regulate cat pet-keeping instead to minimise disamenities for neighbours.
HDB's pet ownership policies have to strike a balance between residents who are pet lovers and those who are not. Irresponsible pet ownership can lead to disamenities in the community and cause unhappiness. In the case of cats, disamenities include shedding fur, defecating/urinating in public areas, and caterwauling by roaming cats.
Notwithstanding these concerns, HDB recognises that there are many residents who are cat lovers and who would like to keep cats in their flats. Hence, HDB will continue to review and update its pet ownership policies, together with NParks/Animal & Veterinary Service which is responsible for the broader issue of animal welfare and licensing. While we would like very much to accommodate the wishes of all pet owners, we also have to take into consideration the views of other home-owners, and take a holistic and balanced approach in addressing this issue.
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