Today Online 12 Jan 10;
SINGAPORE - The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) gets about 350 cases of feedback a year of alleged animal cruelty.
Of these, it has successfully prosecuted two cases and fined five other offenders in the last three years, noted National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan.
All feedback is investigated, and the AVA will prosecute an offender where there is enough evidence and witnesses are willing to testify in court, said Mr Mah in a written answer to MP Dr Lam Pin Min, who asked for statistics on pet abandonment and animal cruelty.
Where pets are allegedly abandoned, the AVA will also prosecute or fine offenders for allowing the dogs to stray if there is evidence, said Mr Mah.
Over the years, the AVA has conducted school talks and a public education on responsible pet ownership and required newly licensed dogs to be microchipped.
Under the Animals and Birds Act, animal abandonment carries a maximum $10,000 fine or jail of up to 12 months or both.
