Number of Abandoned Dogs Following Year of Dog in Chinese Lunar Calendar

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry monitors the number of abandoned dogs each year; (b) whether historically, the abandonment rates are higher in the Lunar Year of the Dog and the subsequent year; (c) whether there are plans to work with animal welfare groups to reinforce the message of responsible adoption and pet ownership in view of the upcoming Lunar Year of the Dog; and (d) whether there are plans to work with these groups to deal with any hikes in abandonment numbers to ensure the welfare of the dogs, public health and safety.

The Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) started tracking dog abandonment data since 2015 and does not have data from the previous Lunar Year of the Dog in 2006. But we understand from anecdotal feedback that some Animal Welfare Groups, or AWGs, observed an increased in the number of dogs taken into their shelters shortly after 2006.

Hence, AVA is stepping up its outreach efforts with AWGs and industry partners to promote responsible adoption and pet ownership. The key message is not to acquire pets on impulse, as keeping them is a lifelong commitment. This year, AVA is working on a social media campaign to promote responsible ownership and to encourage potential dog owners to consider adoption first. AVA will also continue to work with AWGs, schools and other partners to organise road shows, adoption drives, school talks and community events to create awareness about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

Aside from public outreach, AVA has tightened the dog licensing regime as an upstream measure to deter abandonment. As of 1 March 2017, all dogs have to be licensed to the new owner at the point of sale or adoption. This improves traceability and ensures that owners can be held accountable for their pet dogs.

Pet abandonment is an offence under the Animals and Birds Act. First-time offenders can be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed up to 12 months. Last year, AVA successfully prosecuted eight cases of pet abandonment. AVA will continue to monitor the situation closely and carry out enforcement actions where required.