Cat licensing rules to start on Sep 1, with two-year transition period for owners to adapt
Cat owners are additionally required to ensure that their pets are kept in a safe environment and take reasonable steps to protect them from hazards. This includes installing mesh, grilles, screens or other barriers to prevent the cats from roaming or falling from height.
When in public, cat owners will also need to ensure that their cats are kept under physical control. For example, owners can use a harness or place their cat in a carrier to prevent it from roaming freely.
PET CAT STERILISATION SUPPORT PROGRAMME
Low-income households can get support from AVS via its Pet Cat Sterilisation Support (PCSS) programme, which will offer free sterilisation and microchipping.
“By doing so, the programme aims to stem the unintended breeding of pet cats belonging to households that are unable to afford sterilisation, by facilitating early intervention. It also seeks to address downstream animal welfare issues and disamenities arising from the overpopulation of pet cats,” said AVS.
More details on eligibility criteria and the registration process will be available from Sep 1.
Cat fosterers will also be given support during the transition period. They will be able to apply to license their existing fostered cats through AVS’ Pet Animal Licensing System as long as they are able to ensure that the cats’ health and welfare are taken care of.
AVS said it recognises that fosterers play an important role in cat management.
“AVS will co-develop guidelines for cat fosterers together with HDB and animal welfare group partners and look into how responsible fosterers that meet these guidelines can be allowed to keep more cats. AVS will adopt a phased approach for this and will share more details when ready,” it added.
The Cat Welfare Society welcomed the cat management framework.
“CWS is glad to see that the proposed licensing conditions largely accord with the responsible cat ownership guidelines that we have set out and pushed for. We are glad to see our work raise the minimum standards of care for pet cats in Singapore,” it said in an Instagram post.
It added that the measures set a standardised level of care and sets clear expectations on what responsible cat ownership is.
