AGRI-FOOD AND VETERINARY AUTHORITY (Efforts in catching stray dogs)

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AGRI-FOOD AND VETERINARY AUTHORITY:

(Efforts in catching stray dogs): 4.

Dr Warren Lee asked the Minister for National Development (a) if he will state the effectiveness of Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority's efforts in catching stray dogs; (b) whether it is true that the Agency officers' efforts are severely

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hampered by the stray dogs hiding away whenever the dog-catcher's vans arrive; and (c) can some assurance be given that packs of stray dogs frequenting land that has been cleared for development and adjoining newly built flats in Sembawang New Town will be effectively caught and prevented from menacing residents in the area.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the AVA's team of dog catchers routinely scout various potential sites around the island, for instance, vacant land, industrial estates and residential areas, for stray dogs. In addition, upon receiving reports, the officers will survey the area and the vicinity where the stray dogs are reportedly seen. This is done in the day and at night, to establish the dogs' tracks and resting sites. The strays are caught using a lasso. Baited trap-door cages are also used for feral dogs and those that shy away from people. I am sure that Members will understand that it may take several days or even up to a month to trap the more elusive ones. On average, AVA receives over 2,700 feedback on dog nuisance a year. AVA is able to resolve 97% of the cases within five days.

Catching of stray dogs is not an easy task. The strays are often wary of people and keep a distance from strangers. They often hide out in thick under-growth or semi-forested areas, and appear mostly in the night. In spite of these difficulties, AVA manages to impound over 4,000 dogs annually.

AVA has received feedback from residents of Sembawang New Town about stray dogs at the vacant land mentioned by Dr Lee. Although these dogs are very elusive, so far, AVA has succeeded in impounding five of them. I would like to assure Dr Lee that AVA will continue to intensify its efforts to

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impound the remaining stray dogs in the area.

I would also like to inform the House that AVA is stepping up its public education efforts on responsible pet ownership so as to minimise the abandonment of pets and thereby, the consequential stray animals problem.

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BUDGET HOTELS: The following Question stood in the name of Mdm Cynthia Phua -

5. To ask the Minister for National Development what is the Government's policy with regard to budget hotels, which seem to have mushroomed all over the island for the purpose of promoting tourism but which could also breed prostitution and other undesirable activities.

Mr Speaker: Mdm Cynthia Phua is not here. Ms Braema Mathi.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No. 21(3), a Written Answer* is reproduced in the Appendix.]

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