By David Ee, The Straits Times, 2 Mar 2013
BIGGER fines, longer jail terms and screening of pet buyers were among a slew of recommendations submitted to the Government yesterday by a panel set up to review animal welfare laws.
The 11-member panel, chaired by MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC Yeo Guat Kwang, sent its widely anticipated report to the National Development Ministry yesterday after gathering public feedback and deliberating for a year.
It proposed introducing tiered penalties that take into account the intent of someone found guilty of ill-treating animals.
The current maximum penalty is a fine of up to $10,000 and/or a one-year jail term, but repeat or malicious offenders could soon be fined up to $50,000 and/or jailed for three years. They would also be barred from keeping pets for up to a year.
Those caught neglecting pets the first time would face the current penalty but would also have to perform community service with animal welfare groups.
Harsher penalties would be extended to pet shops and farms, which could be fined up to $100,000 and banned from operating for up to a year.
Animal abuse convictions should also be reported by the media and on social networks to act as a deterrent, the report added.
But Mr Yeo stressed that the panel, which also comprised animal welfare activists and industry representatives, sought preventive - not just punitive and deterrent - measures.
Its proposals for mandatory pre-sale screening of pet buyers, training staff at pet-related businesses and the stepping up of efforts to encourage responsible pet ownership were ways to "address the problem at the root", he said.
Screening pet buyers would help them make "informed decisions", added the report, and minimise impulse purchases.
The Pet Enterprises and Traders Association of Singapore, which has 61 members, has agreed to lead the forming of accreditation schemes for pet farms and breeders to spur them to improve standards. There are about 400 pet, accessories and grooming shops here.
"This is not an easy move for the industry, particularly as they worry about their bottom lines. But I'm glad we have come to a consensus and they understand that they have a key role to play," said Mr Yeo.
Animal welfare groups welcomed the report but said that without enforcement, proposed penalties would prove toothless.
Animal abuse cases handled by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals rose from 1,162 in 2007 to 1,426 in 2011, but during this period, warnings or fines were issued in only about 300 cases.
"Higher penalties alone won't deter people," said Mr Ricky Yeo, president of Action for Singapore Dogs. "The only way is successful prosecution. I didn't really see any enforcement framework emphasised in the report."
The police could support the AVA in investigations, suggested Ms Eunice Nah, chief advocate of the Agency for Animal Welfare.
Happy Paws pet shop owner Steven Ker, 40, said he would sign up to an accreditation scheme. He said: "If we do well, customers will see that we are a responsible shop. We may attract more customers."
Dog owner Gail Sethi, 49, supported publicising abuse convictions. "The only thing that will make them behave is prosecuting and shaming them," she said.
National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said in a blog post that the ministry would study the recommendations carefully. "My instinct is that our law may need to be updated," he wrote.
The report is available at http://www.mnd.gov.sg/AWLRCreport
Some of the recommendations
- Strengthen the Animals and Birds Act by clearly defining codes of animal welfare, and holding owners responsible.
- Increase fine up to $50,000 and/or three-year jail term for animal abusers. They may also have to do community service and be barred from keeping pets for up to a year.
- Increase fine up to $100,000 for animal-related businesses which contravene the Act. They may also have their operations suspended for up to a year.
- Start industry-led accreditation schemes for pet shops, breeders and groomers.
- Mandatory training in animal care and handling for staff of pet-related businesses.
- Mandatory screening of pet buyers by pet shops.
- Set minimum age for buying pets at 16.
- License all pet breeding and boarding activities.
- Extend pet mediation and responsible pet ownership efforts.
- Align the definition of "animals" in the Road Traffic Act with that in the Animals and Birds Act.
- Set up multi-stakeholder committee to strengthen collaboration.
Related
No comments:
Post a Comment