Higher fines, longer jail term for animal abusers proposed

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The Animal Welfare Legislative Review Committee is calling for heavier penalties for animal abuse and abandonment.

After a year-long review, the committee has submitted its recommendations to the National Development Ministry for consideration.

The current penalty for animal abuse is a fine of up to S$10,000, one year in jail, or both.

The Committee calls for:

• A more detailed penalty structure that differentiates the intent and severity of the offence, with the maximum penalty for repeat and malicious cases going up to S$50,000, three years jail and a one-year ban on keeping animals.
• At the same time, the proposal calls for higher penalties for businesses - between S$20,000 and S$100,000, and a ban on animal-related business for up to a year.
• Another key proposal is to legally require all staff in all pet businesses to be appropriately trained in animal care and handling.
• The Committee is recommending regulation for all commercial pet breeding activities, and for all pet boarding facilities to be licensed.
• It also wants to see pet shops screen potential buyers to ensure pets are sold to responsible and committed owners.

The Animal Welfare Legislative Review Committee said the objective is to send a strong message to deter wrongdoers.

The Committee's report details 24 recommendations in total, including a call to set a minimum age of 16 years old for buying a pet.