SINGAPORE: The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) intends to review the regulation of pet boarding businesses, Senior Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of National Development (MND) Sun Xueling said on Wednesday (Feb 13).
This will be part of a "holistic review" of the regulatory approach for the pet industry, she added.
Advertisement"AVA will engage its stakeholders, including pet owners, industry players and Animal Welfare Groups, to find the right balance across their various needs and interests," she said.
[h=3]READ: AVA investigates pet boarding service Platinium Dogs Club for alleged mistreatment[/h]Ms Sun was responding to Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC Louis Ng who asked whether the ministry will introduce a licensing requirement for pet boarding businesses in addition to the standards and best practices listed in the Code of Animal Welfare.
His question shines a spotlight on the pet boarding industry, which came under scrutiny after at least one dog at pet boarding centre Platinum Dogs Club was found to have died under its care.
AdvertisementAdvertisement[h=3]READ: AVA confirms missing sheepdog Prince died while boarded at Platinium Dogs Club[/h]Ms Sun said that all pet business operators, including pet boarders, have a duty of care towards the animals they handle. AVA currently licenses pet shops and pet farms, some of which have commercial pet boarding facilities, she added.
Beyond the Code of Animal Welfare, AVA can take enforcement action against pet boarding businesses under the Animals and Birds Act for failing in this duty of care, or for animal cruelty.
[h=3]READ: Platinium Dogs Club case: Shanmugam pledges thorough investigation, due process[/h]In December last year, authorities had raided the premises of Platinium Dogs Club as part of an investigation into reports of alleged mistreatment of animals at the centre.
Under the Animal and Birds Act, offenders who fail in their duty of care towards the animals in the course of conducting an animal-related business may face a fine of up to S$40,000 and/or a jail term of up to two years, if convicted.
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