Abandoning a pet is an offence

Today Online 11 Mar 08;

Letter from GOH SHIH YONG
Assistant Director, Corporate Communications for Chief Executive Officer
Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority

I refer to the letters by Mr Tan Chek Wee and Ms Marianne Maes "Ban import of pets" (Feb 29) and by Ms Tan Ai Ling "A cute puppy is not just a status symbol" (March 4), on pet abandonment. We are heartened by their concern for animal welfare and would like to thank them for their suggestions on deterring pet abandonment.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) agrees with the writers that to curb impulse buying and deter abandonment, it is important for potential pet owners to be aware of the responsibilities of ownership.

The AVA has been actively promoting responsible pet ownership through talks, demonstrations, road shows, mass media efforts and collaborations with animal welfare organisations. These efforts have spread the message to many potential owners that a pet is for life and to think carefully before getting a pet.

For existing owners, the AVA has been encouraging responsible care of their pets and also pet sterilisation to prevent indiscriminate breeding and abandonment of unwanted pets. The financial resources required for pet care are also discussed to prepare potential owners for the inherent expenses of pet ownership.

The AVA also enforces regulations such as pet shop licensing and dog licensing to safeguard animal welfare and instill responsible pet ownership.

Ms Tan may be pleased to know that pet shops are already required to submit particulars of buyers to the AVA and to ensure microchipping of all dogs for sale. Pet shops are also required to provide customers with advice on the care of the pet.

In addition, with the recent revision of the Animals and Birds (Licensing and Control) rule in September last year, it is now compulsory for all owners to microchip their dogs, providing a greater traceability in cases of pet abandonment.

It would not be appropriate to ban import of dogs as long as the business is legitimate and complies with the rules and regulations as Singapore operates on a free-market system. Moreover, such an import ban may not necessarily resolve the problem of irresponsible pet ownership and may even promote illegal pet smuggling and breeding to meet demand.

We would also like to take this opportunity to emphasise that abandoning a pet should never be an option as it is cruel and an offence. Under the Animals and Birds Act, anyone convicted of pet abandonment can be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed for up to 12 months.

The AVA will continue its public education efforts and stress to pet shops the need to promote responsible pet ownership. Although we may not be able to adopt all the writers' suggestions, we will take them into consideration when we review the animal welfare regulations and programmes.