Oral answer by Ministry of National Development on using live animals in art installations and animal welfare

Sep 19, 2023

Question No: 4602

Question by: Dr Tan Wu Meng

To ask the Minister for National Development regarding the use of live chickens and chicks in an art installation at the National Gallery Singapore (a) whether veterinary expert inputs have been sought prior to the deployment of the chickens; and (b) what is known regarding the impact on the animals' well-being (during and after participation in the art installation).

Answer:

          Under the Animals and Birds (Pet Shop and Exhibition) Rules, a valid licence is required for any exhibition of animals, to safeguard animal health and welfare. NParks assesses all such applications to ensure that they comply with its licensing requirements.

2        For the art installation that the Member has referred to, NParks conducted a site inspection and obtained the input of one of its veterinarians, before issuing a licence to the National Gallery Singapore (NGS) for the exhibition of three live chickens and seven live chicks. Through the inspection, NParks had assessed that the poultry would be provided with adequate food, water, and rest, as well as appropriate housing. As the exhibition would raise awareness on animal welfare, NParks had also assessed that it would fulfil the licensing condition for public education.

3        NGS also worked closely with Chicken Rescue Rehome (CRR), a local chicken rehoming group, to put in place safeguards such as requiring visitors to keep a distance and to avoid flash photography. Along with regular checks by CRR representatives and a dedicated team of carers, these measures ensured the well-being of the poultry throughout the five-day exhibition period.

4        The poultry were then returned to the care of the Ground-Up Initiative, which had loaned them to NGS, and all of them continued to show signs of good health.