Tougher enforcement of the Animals & Birds Act

With pet abandonment becoming a challenge, it is necessary for a tougher enforcement of pet abandonment at the current rate per abandonment is occurring in Singapore.

Under the Animals & Birds Act, Section 41C, subsection 1(b) states that every owner of an animal "must not abandon the animal, or cause or permit the animal to be abandoned, whether permanently or temporarily, without reasonable cause or excuse;"

Subsection 2 states that "(2) Any person who fails to comply with subsection 1(a), (b) or (c) shall be guilty of an offence"

The penalties are also clearly stated under subsection 3 of the act "
"(3) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (2) shall be liable on conviction —
(a) in the case where the person commits the offence in the course of carrying on, or employment or purported employment with, an animal-related business —
(i) for a first offence, to a fine not exceeding $40,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both; and
(ii) for a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both; and
(b) in any other case —
(i) for a first offence, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both; and
(ii) for a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both."

We, undersigned in this petition, urge for stern and decisive enforcement under the Animals and Birds Act and for AVA to take a tougher stance towards deterrence of pet abandonment. We have to send a strong message against pet abandonment and work towards responsible pet ownership. Investigations with strong enforcement.