Debated in Parliament on 2 Sep 2019.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) in the past year, how many complaints regarding pet owners not cleaning up after their pets have been received; (b) how many pet owners have been identified and penalised; and (c) whether there are plans to introduce more measures.
Not cleaning up after one's pet is irresponsible behaviour that dirties our environment and inconveniences others. In 2018, the National Environment Agency (NEA) received some 800 instances of feedback concerning pet owners not cleaning up after their pets in public areas. NEA has been investigating these cases and engaging with pet owners where possible. In the past few years, five enforcement actions were taken against errant pet owners.
Our main approach to tackling this issue has nonetheless been to foster a culture of responsible pet ownership. To this end, the NEA and the National Parks Board (NParks) have been working hard with community leaders and Town Councils to educate pet owners accordingly at community events, school talks and roadshows. In residential estates where there are cleanliness issues, standees reminding pet owners to clean up after their pets are also placed at prominent locations.
Pet owners ought to clean up after their pets in public areas. I urge all pet owners to be considerate and play their part in keeping Singapore clean.
PAPERCUTS