Licensing of Cat Breeders Since Implementation of Guidelines

The following question stood in the name of Mr Leong Mun Wai –

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) how many cat breeders have been licensed since implementation of the cat-breeding guidelines in 2023; (b) how many licensed cat breeders are currently renting units at The Animal Lodge; (c) how many unlicensed cat breeders has NParks identified since 2023; (d) whether measures are taken to assist unlicensed cat breeders in regularising their operations before actions are taken against them; and (e) how many cats have been seized from these unlicensed cat breeders since 2023.

Sir, under the Animals and Birds (Licensing of Premises for Pet Shop and other Purposes) Rules, a valid licence is required to breed animals for commercial purposes. Since the licensing conditions for commercial breeding of pet cats were published in July 2023, the National Parks Board (NParks) has licensed three commercial cat breeders. These cat breeders are currently renting units at The Animal Lodge. NParks will continue to monitor the demand for commercial cat breeding and allocate newly available units for cat breeding, where appropriate.

NParks investigates reports of the illegal commercial breeding of cats and takes enforcement action against offenders. Between January 2023 and August 2024, NParks investigated 58 cases of illegal cat breeding and seized 91 cats from these illegal breeders. These cats remain under the care of NParks and are regularly assessed by veterinarians.

Members of the public who wish to purchase cats should only do so from licensed sources, which are subject to licensing conditions to safeguard animal health and welfare and are regularly inspected by NParks.