Debated in Parliament on 3 Apr 2024.
Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the availability of cat breeding locations for rent from the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS); and (b) how does AVS deal with the cats seized from illegal breeders.
Mr Speaker, the National Parks Board (NParks) has rented out three units for the commercial breeding of cats at the Animal Lodge. NParks will continue to monitor the demand for commercial cat breeding and prioritise newly available units for cat breeding, where appropriate.
Under the Animals and Birds (Licensing of Farms) Rules, a valid licence is required to breed animals for commercial purposes. This is to safeguard animal health and welfare. NParks investigates reports of the illegal commercial breeding of animals, including cats, and takes enforcement action against offenders. Cats seized during such investigations will be under the care of NParks and its veterinarians.
Mr Leong.
Sir, I thank the Minister of State for the reply. I have three supplementary questions. One, will the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) allow the breeder to visit the cats, even after they are seized by the AVS? Second question, from now on, will the AVS put in a more detailed regulatory framework to allow for small breeders to continue their business? And three, is the Animal Lodge the only place currently available for potential breeders to run their business? I think the Animal Lodge is in Tengah; that is what I have been told. And that is the only place that breeders are allowed to breed the animals, I heard. Can the Minister of State confirm that?
Sir, I thank the Member for the supplementary questions. As the animals are seized as part of investigations, owners will not be able to visit them while investigations are ongoing. However, the cats will remain under the care of NParks and are regularly assessed by NParks, until investigations are concluded.
The other supplementary question is about the regulatory framework. It is something that we continue to look at. If Members have any feedback, they can share them with me and email us. Currently, The Animal Lodge is the only one available. We are also assessing demand. We will keep track and work with the industry to see how we can expand it if there is high demand. At this moment, we feel that it is adequate.
Order. End of Question Time.
[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), provided that Members had not asked for questions standing in their names to be postponed to a later Sitting day or withdrawn, written answers to questions not reached by the end of Question Time are reproduced in the Appendix.]
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