Measures to Control Rodent Population

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) whether it is an offence to feed pigeons and cats in the public areas and leave behind the unconsumed food which then forms a potential food source for rodents; (b) if so, how many enforcement actions have been carried out and how many people have been issued with summonses over the past two years; (c) whether the Ministry will carry out a comprehensive study on the infestation of rodents; and (d) what further actions can be taken to control the rodent population.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Food left on open ground without proper disposal poses a risk to public health. It attracts rodents, cockroaches and other pests. Containers with stagnant water enable mosquitoes to breed.

The feeding of stray pigeons is specifically prohibited under the Animal and Birds (Pigeon) Rules. Pigeons may transmit serious infections including meningitis and encephalitis. Offenders may be fined up to $500. From 2013 to 2014, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) took enforcement action against 95 offenders for feeding pigeons. Persons who feed other stray animals without clearing leftover food or food containers may be fined up to $2,000 for littering under the Environmental Public Health Act.

AVA and the National Environment Agency (NEA) will continue to work with animal welfare groups to ensure proper stray animal feeding practices. NEA will have to take enforcement action against irresponsible feeders.

Rodents proliferate when there is poor food storage and improper waste management. NEA conducts systematic inspections of public areas, including food establishments and shopping malls, to identify potential food sources, harbourages and rodent burrows. NEA also subsidises the Town Councils’ "Rat Attack" programmes.

All stakeholders must ensure cleanliness of their respective premises, good housekeeping, proper refuse management and comprehensive pest control.