Written answer by Ministry of National Development on minimum age requirement for purchase of red-eared slider turtles as pets

Nov 13, 2024

Question No: 6236

Question by: Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang

To ask the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider implementing a minimum age requirement for the purchase of red-eared slider turtles as pets.

Answer:

Under the current pet shop licence conditions, licensed pet shops are not allowed to sell dogs, cats and rabbits to individuals who have not reached 16 years of age. To promote responsible retailing and discourage impulse buying, NParks will study if there is a need to implement a minimum age requirement for the purchase of other animals.

In addition, NParks actively conducts education and outreach programmes to raise public awareness on responsible pet ownership. For example, NParks reaches out to the public, including students through platforms such as the Pets’ Day Out events, webinar series, talks, roving exhibitions, school plays, and a resource package for schools.