Written answer by Ministry of National Development on whether rehabilitation programmes addressing violent behaviour towards animals are offered to offenders

Oct 15, 2025

Question No. 424

Question by: Mr Gabriel Lam

Question

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether rehabilitation programmes addressing violent behaviour towards animals are offered to offenders; (b) how does the Ministry coordinates with Animal & Veterinary Service, Institute of Mental Health, and community partners to manage such high-risk individuals; and (c) whether mandatory counselling or therapy can be imposed in addition to jail terms or fines.

Answer

The Courts may decide to impose a Mandatory Treatment Order (MTO), which requires the offender to undergo psychiatric treatment such as at the Institute of Mental Health, for animal cruelty and abuse cases.