Dog Deaths at Dog Farms and Pet Shops and Top Three Causes

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development (a) for each year since 2019, how many dogs have died while licensed to (i) dog farms and (ii) pet shops; (b) what are the top three causes of death of dogs in these premises, respectively; and (c) whether the Ministry will require these premises to report the causes of death if they are not doing so.

The number of dogs reported to have died at dog farms and pet shops since 2019 is in Table 1. The majority of the dogs in these premises died of chronic diseases, such as cancer, kidney disease and diabetes.

In April 2022, the National Parks Board (NParks) enhanced its licensing conditions for pet boarders and breeders, to safeguard animal health and welfare. As part of the enhanced licensing conditions, dog farms are required to provide information on the cause of death of dogs under their care. NParks is considering extending this requirement to pet shops.