Debated in Parliament on 16 Aug 2016.
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider increasing the height and weight allowance for local mixed breed dogs approved for living in HDB flats under the Project ADORE scheme as the majority of dogs in our shelters and from the streets do not currently qualify for adoption under the scheme.
Under Project (ADOption and REhoming of dogs) ADORE, mixed breed dogs that are up to 50 centimetres tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 15 kilogrammes may be rehomed in HDB flats. These limits are set at sizes roughly equivalent to the current approved dog breeds for Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. Dogs of this size are generally considered to be more easily carried and controlled, especially in confined spaces such as lifts.
I appreciate the Member's intention to rehome more local mixed breed dogs. The Ministry of National Development also supports this objective. But in making any changes to Project ADORE, we have to also take into consideration the concerns raised by HDB residents who have reservations about their neighbours keeping larger dogs in HDB flats. This is why we are taking steps to bring in more partners on the project and to broaden our engagement with residents. Ultimately, we want this project to succeed. For that to happen, we should not rush the implementation, but must ensure that any changes to the criteria are broadly accepted by residents living in our HDB estates.
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