Speech by SMS Tan Kiat How at the Launch of the Dog Training Standards Workgroup
Aug 22, 2024
Introduction
Good morning! I am happy to join all of you at today’s seminar on insights into canine aggression.
Over the last five years, we have seen an almost 30 percent increase in the number of licensed pet dogs in Singapore. Dogs are wonderful companions and for many pet owners, their dogs are considered valued members of the family.
As pet owners enjoy the companionship of their dogs, it is also important for owners to be responsible for their dogs’ behaviour to ensure a harmonious living environment for fellow residents, as well as for the safety and welfare of the dogs.
The Government places importance on raising awareness and promoting the use of science-based approaches to understand and train dog behaviour. In Singapore, we advocate for dog training using the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive or LIMA approach.
By adopting positive training methods, owners can foster a deeper and more trusting relationship with their pets. Through these stronger bonds, we can more effectively manage behavioural concerns and help our pets adjust to living in an urban city.
In this regard, we are honoured to have Dr Jim Crosby share his insights on dog behaviour, training approaches, and on understanding and managing canine aggression.
Dr Crosby is a globally renowned expert in canine aggression and behaviour. His extensive work has significantly influenced dog training practices worldwide. We look forward to hearing his insights.
Raising Dog Training Standards
Over the years, we have been working on several key initiatives to raise animal health and welfare standards within the pet sector.
We need the support and buy-in of all stakeholders, including breeders, boarders, trainers, animal welfare groups, veterinarians and importantly, pet owners.
Since 2019, we have rolled out various initiatives to raise standards and encourage good practices across the ecosystem. For example, the Rehoming and Adoption Workgroup, or RAWG, was formed in 2020 to study how we can raise the standards of rehoming and adoption of free-roaming dogs in Singapore.
This Workgroup comprised key stakeholders from the pet industry, such as veterinarians, dog trainers, and animal welfare groups.
Amongst the many recommendations, the RAWG identified gaps in the dog training industry and trainer accreditation scheme, as well as ideas to address these gaps.
Following a series of focus group discussions and public consultations, the RAWG developed and published two sets of guidelines: the first set of guidelines on dog rehoming and adoption practices, and the second set on dog training and behaviour rehabilitation.
As part of these efforts to raise standards in the dog training industry, AVS subsequently launched the AVS-Accredited Certified Dog Trainer (ACDT) Scheme in December 2022. The scheme serves as a competency benchmark for dog trainers.
It replaced the Panel for the Accreditation of Dog Trainers (PADT) scheme, and signalled a clear shift towards safe and effective science-based training methods.
The ACDT scheme places greater emphasis on assessing trainers’ professional competencies by recognising certifications from four independent animal behaviour and training organisations. These organisations’ curricula are science- and evidence-based. This ensures that trainers possess the expertise to deliver safe and effective training.
Over 40 trainers have joined the ACDT scheme. I encourage others to do so too.
We will continue improving and enhancing the ACDT scheme to advance the knowledge and skills of dog trainers in Singapore.
Regulating Dog Training Devices
The RAWG had discussed dog training devices, and in particular, aversive devices like shock and prong collars.
To better understand public sentiment on the use of such training devices, AVS conducted a series of focus group discussions last year. We are grateful for the active participation of many stakeholders such as dog trainers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups, representatives from working dog units and pet owners.
Understandably, participants had differences in views on whether aversive training devices should be used. Some participants felt that such devices would cause unnecessary pain and suffering to dogs, and that there were other more effective and humane methods of training. Others felt that there could be certain circumstances that warrant the use of such devices.
Regardless of their stance on the use of aversive training devices, all participants agreed that:
First, public awareness of the risks of improper use of shock and prong collars, as well as alternative, less aversive training methods, was lacking, and that more public education was required.
Second, even in the rare, exceptional situation where the use of such devices is warranted, most participants also agreed that it was important to ensure the proper use of these devices to safeguard the welfare of the dog.
Besides engaging relevant stakeholders, we are also studying the regulatory regimes in other countries and learning from practitioners there. This allows us to better understand the context, successes and challenges in those jurisdictions, and better able to adapt best practices for Singapore.
Jurisdictions adopt vastly different regulatory regimes on the use of shock and electric collars. In fact, most countries do not have any specific legislation on such devices, i.e. there are no controls over the sale and use of such devices in these jurisdictions.
On the other hand, such devices are banned in countries like Austria. Some other countries such as Germany permit the use of such devices only under prescribed conditions.
Regulatory regimes vary even within countries. For example, different states in Australia have different approaches towards shock collars, e.g. Queensland does not have specific legislation regulating shock collars, New South Wales bans the use of such devices, and Victoria allows the use of shock collars but only under specific conditions with safeguards.
Each regime has its context, and its own set of advantages and challenges when it comes to implementation and effectiveness.
Given the differing needs and interests of various stakeholders, and the diverse approaches adopted around the world, the regulation of such training devices is not a straightforward issue.
In Singapore, we want a framework that is sensible and effective, and meets our needs. The framework will primarily be based on science and evidence. At the same time, we will actively take on onboard the interests of key stakeholders to ensure that the rules can be implemented effectively, and consider the viewpoints of the public, especially pet owners.
That is why we have decided to take more time to consider the issue carefully and comprehensively.
Formation of Dog Training Standards Workgroup
As part of this effort, I am happy to announce the formation of a Dog Training Standards Workgroup, which will be co-led by AVS and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and will comprise key stakeholders, including dog trainers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups and representatives from working dog units.
This Workgroup will look at developing proposals and implementation plans to raise public awareness and adoption of the LIMA training approach. This could include a mix of non-regulatory and regulatory methods, such as education, guidelines and advisories, as well as Codes.
The Workgroup will also undertake a review of our positions on the use of various training devices, including shock and prong collars.
The Workgroup has been formed and already had their first meeting. I look forward to hearing their recommendations.
In the meantime, we have identified “no regrets” areas where work has started. For example, we are concerned that aversive training devices like shock and electric collars can be easily purchased online. More worrying is that these devices may not meet recognised international technical standards.
AVS has started engaging pet shops and e-commerce platforms on the sale of such devices and are heartened that some are open to work with us.
AVS will also continue with efforts to raise awareness on the LIMA training approach and the benefits of rewards-based training methods, through pet-related events, workshops, and seminars, such as this one today.
Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding the health and welfare of our pets. Let us continue to work closely together, and I wish everyone a fruitful and enriching seminar ahead. Thank you.