Oral answer by Ministry of National Development on the study into a ban on electric collars for animal training and if the Ministry will study the enforcement mechanisms for the Guidelines for Rehoming and Adoption of Dogs

Mar 7, 2024

Question No: 5821

Question by: Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry will provide an update on the study into a ban on electric collars for animal training; and (b) whether the Ministry will study the enforcement mechanisms for the Guidelines for Rehoming and Adoption of Dogs developed by the Rehoming and Adoption Workgroup.

Answer:

          In 2022, the multi-stakeholder Rehoming and Adoption Workgroup (RAWG), comprising NParks, animal welfare groups, veterinarians and dog trainers, published guidelines to standardise practices in dog rehoming and adoption, as well as dog training and behaviour rehabilitation.

2.       As part of the RAWG’s recommendations, NParks further consulted key stakeholders of the animal community and members of the public on the use of electric collars in Singapore. To complement existing guidelines on dog training and behaviour rehabilitation, NParks is currently developing guidelines to highlight the risks of using aversive animal training devices such as electric collars, and will share more details when ready.

3.       Ultimately, these guidelines recommend good practices to be adopted by the community, and are not meant to be legally enforceable. Notwithstanding this, in cases where unnecessary pain or suffering is found to be inflicted on animals, we will not hesitate to investigate and take enforcement action under the Animals and Birds Act.