Animal Cruelty and Abuse Cases Investigated and Enforced Against in Last Five Years

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development in respect of animal cruelty and abuse cases in the past five years (a) how many cases have been investigated annually; (b) how many cases have been issued warning letters; (c) how many cases have been issued compound fines; (d) how many cases have been prosecuted and fines issued; (e) how many cases have been prosecuted and jail terms issued; and (f) whether the Ministry is considering increasing the penalties for such cases.

Mr Desmond Lee: From 2017 to 2020, NParks investigated close to 1,200 alleged animal cruelty and abuse cases annually. Since 2017, 87 persons have been issued warning letters, 113 persons have been issued compound fines, 40 persons have been sentenced in court and fined, and 23 persons have been sentenced in court with jail terms issued.

We take a serious view of all acts of animal cruelty and abuse. Individuals who are found guilty of committing acts of animal cruelty can be charged under the Animals and Birds Act. First-time offenders can face a maximum fine of $15,000, or a jail term of up to 18 months, or both. Repeat offenders can face a maximum fine of $30,000, or a jail term of up to three years, or both. We will continue to review the penalties under the Animals and Birds Act to ensure that they remain effective in deterring acts of animal cruelty and abuse.