Guidelines for Keeping Pets at Home to Ensure Harmonious Living among Neighbours

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will review the guidelines for keeping pets at home to ensure harmonious living among neighbours.

The National Parks Board (NParks) and the Housing and Development Board (HDB) have put in place guidelines and regulations for the keeping of pets, which aim to safeguard animal welfare and minimise inconvenience to neighbours. For example, NParks has developed a Code of Animal Welfare for pet owners which sets out standards for pet housing, management and care, while HDB maintains a list of approved dog breeds that are suitable to be kept in HDB flats.

NParks also works with community partners, such as animal welfare groups (AWGs), to promote responsible pet ownership. For example, NParks engages the public on best practices for pet care through community events and webinars.

If a resident’s pet is causing inconvenience to neighbours, the pet owner will be advised to take the necessary measures to reduce the inconvenience. The parties concerned may also be advised to attend mediation, where necessary, to resolve the issue amicably.

NParks and HDB will continue to review pet ownership policies and guidelines regularly to balance the needs of different segments of the community. All residents have a part to play in maintaining a harmonious living environment by being responsible pet owners and exercising mutual respect and tolerance.