Enforcement of Disqualification Order under Animals and Birds Act

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development (a) how is a disqualification order under section 43B of the Animal and Birds Act 1965 enforced; and (b) what checks are done when an individual applies for employment with an animal-related business or attempts to purchase an animal to ensure that the individual is not disqualified from doing so.

Under section 43B of the Animal and Birds Act, the Court may issue a disqualification order to an individual or business that is convicted of an animal cruelty offence. This disqualifies the offender from owning or being in charge of any animal or carrying on any animal-related business for up to 12 months. The disqualification order, if issued, is in addition to the punishment for the animal cruelty offence, which comprises a fine and/or imprisonment term as stipulated in section 42 of the Animals and Birds Act.

When a disqualification order is issued to a company that runs an animal-related business, such as a pet shop, the business will have to cease its operations for the period stated in the disqualification order. The National Parks Board (NParks) will also initiate the process to revoke the company’s pet shop licence and will not issue new pet shop licences to companies that are serving out their disqualification order.

If the offender is an individual, they will have to surrender or rehome all pets under their care and NParks will withhold issuance of pet-related licences to this individual for the duration of the disqualification order. The individual will also not be able to purchase a dog from a pet shop, as NParks' Pet Animal Licensing System will prevent the transfer of dog licences from pet shops to the individual as part of the sale process. These licences are required under regulation for an individual to own a pet dog or to run a pet shop business. This process will also apply to pet cat licensees with effect from 1 September 2024.

Breaching a disqualification order issued by the Court is a criminal offence. There are penalties for individuals who contravene a disqualification order, and animal-related businesses that knowingly or with reckless disregard employ an individual for work that is prohibited by a disqualification order. They will be liable for an offence under section 43B of the Animals and Birds Act.

Members of the public can inform NParks of animal cruelty offences and breaches of disqualification orders via NParks’ website. NParks will investigate the matter fully and take the necessary action against the individual or individuals involved.