http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/amendments-to-animal/1437226.html
The Animal Welfare Legislation Review Committee (AWLRC) on Monday (Oct 27) spelt out details to the amendments it made to the Private Member's Bill.
Formed in April 2012, the AWLRC was set up to review and recommend to the Government amendments to strengthen legislation on animal welfare.
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Penalties were detailed for individuals and animal related businesses.
For example, individuals who fail to provide care for their animals may face a maximum penalty of S$20,000 or two years' jail, or both, while animal-related businesses may face a maximum fine of S$100,000 or three years' jail, or both.
For cruelty to animals, individuals can face a maximum fine of up to S$30,000 or three years' jail, or both, while animal related businesses face a maximum fine of S$100,000 or three years' jail, or both.
To educate individuals and those in the animal business about animal welfare, a code will be released.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) will also be given the power to issue written directives to a pet owner to ensure that the welfare if the animal is safeguarded.
Enhancements to enforcement powers include the power to take photographs, audio and video recordings. And unlike current standards, the crime need not be committed in the presence of enforcement officers.
This means AVA can act upon complaints from neighbours or other members of the community.
The amendments also spell out that the owner must take reasonable steps to ensure, for example, adequate and suitable food, water and shelter for the animal. The owners must also take reasonable efforts to recover a missing animal.
Animal welfare groups want more animals included under Road Traffic Act
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) issued a joint statement on Sunday (Oct 26) appealing against the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) decision not to amend the Road Traffic Act to expand its definition of “animals”.
The SPCA and ACRES said there is a need to widen to scope of an “animal” defined under the Act, to include animals such as cats which are popularly kept as pets today, as well as wildlife. This came after the MHA told TODAY earlier this month it had decided against amending the Act.
The two groups - supported by other animal welfare groups like the Animal Lovers League, Cat Welfare Society and Action for Singapore Dogs - are appealing to the MHA to consider amending the definition of “animal” under the Act’s section 84(6) to make it consistent with the definition of an “animal” in the Animals and Birds Act section 2. This is so that it includes other animals such as cats, and wild animals which are potential victims of road accidents.
Work group to look into standardised training for animal handlers
In line with the proposed changes to the animal welfare legislation, work group Animal Welfare Legislation Review Committee (AWLRC) is looking to introduce standardised training for all staff working with animals, it said at a press conference on Monday (Oct 27).
Under the proposed amendments to the Animals and Birds Act, which was tabled in Parliament earlier this month, staff who work with animals in related industries will be required to hold qualifications or be trained in animal care and handling.
At present, only operators of pet retail outlets are required to attend compulsory structured training in pet animal management and welfare. The training is offered at Temasek Polytechnic’s Professional Development Centre.
With the proposed changes, this is now extended to include staff working with animals in the pet grooming sector, wildlife attractions and animal welfare groups.
Noting that small and medium enterprises have expressed concerns about meeting the new training requirements should the Bill be passed, Mr Yeo added a one- to two-year grace period will be given to them.
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