Review aims to strengthen safeguards for animal health, welfare, and public safety in response to recent abuse cases.
The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a part of the National Parks Board (NParks), is reviewing the Animals and Birds Act and its Code of Animal Welfare in an effort to strengthen safeguards on animal health and welfare as well as public safety. This review comes in the wake of several animal abuse cases that have made the news in recent years.
Dr. Chang Siow Foong, the director-general of AVS, stated that the review would focus on penalties under the Animals and Birds Act to ensure they remain effective in deterring animal cruelty and abuse. This marks the second review since the animal-related functions of the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority were transferred to NParks in 2019.
The need for the review became especially evident following high-profile cases of animal cruelty. One such case involved Barrie Lin Pengli, 32, who was charged with abuse after he mistreated cats in Ang Mo Kio by kicking, suffocating, and even throwing them off high floors. The prosecution has asked for a 24-month jail sentence for Lin, who will be sentenced on November 13. In 2023, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported investigating 862 cases of animal cruelty— the highest number since 2011-2012.
Currently, the Animals and Birds Act allows for penalties of up to 18 months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both, for those found guilty of animal cruelty. Repeat offenders face up to three years in jail and fines up to $30,000. However, about 95% of reported cases are not substantiated, according to AVS.
Another area being reviewed is the Code of Animal Welfare for the pet industry, particularly in relation to negligence by groomers and pet boarding facilities. AVS is examining the duty of care that these businesses must uphold to ensure animals are not mistreated. Commercial pet boarding facilities are required to be licensed, and in 2023, 12 unlicensed operators were identified and held accountable.
Dr. Chang also pointed to recent changes in regulations, including the introduction of a pet cat licensing scheme that began on September 1, 2024. Under this scheme, residents of HDB flats can now legally own cats for the first time since 1989. By the end of the two-year transition period in August 2026, all pet cats must be microchipped and licensed.
These efforts are part of AVS’s broader approach to animal welfare, which includes improving veterinary standards, increasing public awareness, and strengthening biosecurity measures to protect animal and public health.
