Oral answer by Ministry of National Development on investigation and enforcement against errant pet businesses including pet groomers

Question No: 954 and 955
Question by: Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo

To ask the Minister for National Development whether the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) will consider (a) mandatory CCTV recordings in areas where pets are handled or housed in pet grooming facilities; and (b) requiring licensed operators to retain such footages for investigation purposes, to support accountability and transparency.

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what measures are being taken to strengthen enforcement against pet businesses, including pet grooming facilities, that fail to comply with the Animals and Birds Act (ABA) and Code of Animal Welfare; and (b) whether under the review of the ABA, serious negligence by pet businesses causing animal harm or death may result in enhanced penalties or longer licence suspensions.

Answer:

Mr Speaker, may I have your permission to answer Questions 4 and 5 on today's Order Paper together?

All individuals working in animal-related businesses, including pet groomers, are entrusted with the care of their clients' animals and are expected to uphold high standards of animal welfare. Hence, these individuals face higher maximum penalties under the Animals and Birds Act (ABA) for animal cruelty and welfare offences compared to other members of the public. Failure to meet minimum standards stipulated in the Code of Animal Welfare may be used as evidence for enforcement action. Upon conviction for an animal welfare offence, the Court may also issue a disqualification order to an individual to disqualify them from owning an animal or running an animal-related business for up to 12 months.

NParks has investigated 54 cases of feedback alleging harm to pets caused by groomers over the past three years. We are reviewing the regulatory regime for pet sector activities, including pet grooming businesses, under the ongoing review of the ABA. We will consider whether to include requirements for CCTV recordings when we amend the legislation. We are also reviewing the appropriate penalties for animal welfare and cruelty offences, including those that apply to animal-related businesses.