Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on whether the Ministry will consider including the feeding of community animals under the Wildlife Act

Feb 1, 2021

Mr Seah Kian Peng: To ask the Minister for National Development arising from the many inconveniences caused to residents and damage to public property caused by the feeding of community animals, whether the Ministry will consider including the feeding of community animals under the Wildlife Act.

Answer:

The Wildlife Act aims to protect, preserve and manage our wildlife.  In this regard, the Act is not intended to cover the feeding of domestic species, such as community animals.

Instead, NParks works with stakeholders such as NEA, Town Councils, animal welfare groups and feeders to ensure responsible feeding of community animals. This includes educating feeders to place food in receptables and to clear up after feeding so that they do not dirty the environment.  

Where there has been irresponsible feeding leading to littering, enforcement action can be taken under the Environmental Public Health Act. Enforcement action can also be taken by the respective agencies if there has been damage to public property.