Channel NewsAsia 24 Oct 14;
SINGAPORE: In a blogpost on Friday (Oct 24), National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said MPs Yeo Guat Kwang, Alex Yam, Gan Thiam Poh, Edwin Tong and Vikram Nair "made history" when they tabled the Animals and Birds (Amendment) Bill for first reading in Parliament this month.
Mr Khaw noted that in Parliament's history, there have not been many Private Member's Bills and, on Ministry of National Development (MND) matters, there has been none. If passed, the Bill will "give teeth" to many of the recommendations put forth by the Animal Welfare Legislation Review Committee, which was chaired by Mr Yeo, he said.
One of the recommendations required owners to provide reasonable care for animals placed under their charge. Staff in businesses dealing with animals must also be trained in how to care for and handle them.
Harsher penalties were also proposed. First-time offenders can be fined up to S$40,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both. One of the recommendations requires owners to provide reasonable care for animals placed under their charge. Staff in businesses dealing with animals must also be trained in how to care for and handle them.
"It will set new animal welfare standards for individuals and businesses in Singapore, and engender greater responsibility among pet owners. It will also update the penalties for convicted acts of animal cruelty," Mr Khaw wrote.
The minister said the Bill is the fruit of more than two years of hard work, and numerous consultations were organised to ensure all views were considered. "It reflects a diversity of perspectives from animal lovers and those who are less comfortable being about animals. We need the understanding and cooperation of all, as we try to balance these diverse views," said Mr Khaw. "The key objective is to achieve a harmonious living environment for everyone."
- CNA
