Proposed Cat Management Framework In Singapore

 

The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board (NParks), launched a public survey in September 2022 on its proposed approach to improve the management and welfare of cats in Singapore. The public survey, which received over 30,000 responses, was part of the larger Forward Singapore movement that aims to refresh our social compact and build a more endearing home.

Focus group discussions were also held in 2023 with diverse stakeholders including cat owners, non-cat owners, community cat caregivers, cat fosterers and rescuers, veterinarians, representatives of animal welfare groups, and relevant agencies. The discussions covered details of the proposed cat management framework, and potential impact on pet cats and their owners, as well as community cats and their caregivers.

AVS has reviewed the responses from the public survey and focus group discussions and taken into consideration the wide-ranging views of stakeholders and members of the public in the development of the proposed cat management framework. While we strive to improve the welfare and management of pet and community cats, we are also mindful of the need to strike a balance between accommodating some residents’ desires to own pet cats and the need to maintain a harmonious living environment for all.

The proposed cat management framework comprises:  

1.                   A licensing and microchipping scheme to enhance the welfare and traceability of pet cats

2.                   A Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme for community cats*

3.                   Education and outreach on responsible pet cat ownership and community cat caregiving

 

*Currently, TNRM is only for free-roaming dogs

 

A summary of the proposed framework in infographic can be viewed below: 

• English 
• Mandarin
• Malay
• Tamil

Online Survey

AVS has conducted an online survey from 2 Dec 2023 to 1 Feb 2024 to seek views on the proposed cat management framework, including the proposed cat licensing scheme. We will review the survey findings for further refinement of the framework where needed, before launching the finalised framework in the later part of 2024.

Please click here for the full media release on 2 December 2023.

 

Since then, we have noted a rise in pet cat abandonment cases and would like to take this opportunity to assure pet cat owners that they are able to keep all existing pet cats as long as the cats’ health and welfare needs are taken care of.

• English / Mandarin
• Malay / Tamil 

 

Recap of Public Survey Findings

 

The public survey in September 2022 garnered more than 30,000 responses, and the survey results showed that the respondents were strongly supportive of the overall proposed approach.
 

Overview of public survey findings

·       On pet cats, over 80% of survey respondents agreed that pet cats should be microchipped and licensed, and that licensing could help to improve the health, welfare, and traceability of cats.

·       Close to 90% of respondents thought that cats are suitable to be kept as pets, and most supported allowing cats to be kept as pets in HDB flats.

·       On community cats, around 80% of respondents felt that the proposed Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage programme for cats would be effective in managing the community cat population.

·       On managing pet and community cat-related issues, respondents felt that cat owners and caregivers, animal welfare groups and community representatives, can play a leading role to mediate such issues.

 

Please click here for the full media release on 6 May 2023.