Oral answer by Ministry of National Development on the target date for the revised legislation on penalties for animal cruelty and whether the Government actively enforces the Code of Animal Welfare

Apr 8, 2025

Question No: 7428

Question by: Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Government has a target date by which legislation to revise penalties for animal cruelty and failure to fulfil duty of care will be introduced; and (b) whether the Government actively enforces the Code of Animal Welfare (for the Pet Industry) and collates data on non-compliance with the Code.

Answer:

As part of NParks’ efforts to safeguard animal health and welfare, as well as public health and safety, NParks has embarked on a comprehensive review of the Animals and Birds Act 1965 (“ABA”). As highlighted in the reply to Mr Louis Ng on a similar Parliamentary Question last November, and the recent update at the Committee of Supply Debate in response to a cut by Mr Henry Kwek last month, the review covers several areas, including the regulatory framework for the prevention and control of animal diseases and veterinary health products, the penalty framework for animal welfare offences and enforcement powers for animal welfare and management. NParks has been conducting small group discussion with relevant stakeholders and incorporating their inputs. NParks intends to conduct consultations with more stakeholders this year. 

The Code of Animal Welfare (for the Pet Industry) specifies minimum standards and best practices for animal housing, management, and care to safeguard the health and welfare of animals. Failure to comply to the minimum standards in the Code may be used as supporting evidence for prosecution. To date, non-compliance to the minimum standards in the Code has not been used as evidence to support prosecution, as the evidence gathered in cases that proceeded to prosecution was sufficient.