Written answer by Ministry of National Development on penalties for animal welfare offences

Sep 10, 2024

Question No:  6582

Question by: Ms He Ting Ru

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what measures are in place to prevent reoffending amongst pet business workers who are found culpable for animal cruelty and neglect offences; and (b) how does the Animal and Veterinary Service ensure that pet businesses, workers, and owners adhere to disqualification orders more broadly.

Answer:

Under section 41C of the Animals and Birds Act, a person who is found guilty of an offence relating to the failure of duty of care for an animal will be liable to a fine and/or imprisonment term. Under section 42 of the Animals and Birds Act, a person who is found guilty of an animal cruelty offence will similarly be liable to a fine and/or imprisonment term.

The penalties for both types of animal welfare offences under these sections of the Act, are more severe for individuals working in animal-related businesses. Such individuals are expected to uphold higher standards of animal welfare in a professional setting. Penalties are also heavier for individuals committing second or subsequent animal welfare offences.

In addition, the Court may issue a disqualification order to an individual or business that is convicted of an animal welfare offence under section 43B of the Animals and Birds Act. This disqualifies the offender from owning or being in charge of any animal, or carrying on any animal-related business for up to 12 months. The disqualification order, if issued, is over and above the penalties for the animal welfare offences mentioned earlier.

Animal-related businesses, such as pet shops, which are issued a disqualification order will have to cease their operations for the period stated in the disqualification order. NParks will revoke the company’s pet shop licence, and will not issue new pet shop licences to companies that are serving out their disqualification order.

If the offender is an individual, they will have to surrender or rehome all pets under their care. In addition, NParks will withhold issuance of pet-related licences that are required by regulation for an individual to own a cat or dog. In this regard, the offender will not be able to purchase a new cat or dog from a pet shop for the duration of the disqualification order.          

Breaching a disqualification order issued by the court is a criminal offence under section 43B of the Animals and Birds Act.

There are penalties in place for animal-related businesses or individuals who contravene a disqualification order.

Members of the public can inform NParks of animal welfare offences and breaches of disqualification orders via NParks’ website. NParks will investigate the matter fully and take the necessary action against the individual or individuals involved.