Singapore is poised to lift a 34-year ban on cats in much of its housing, marking a significant shift in the city-state’s pet ownership regulations. This move comes as a relief for numerous cat owners who have been clandestinely harboring their feline companions in violation of the longstanding law.
The ban, which has been in force since 1989, will be repealed this year, offering respite to the city’s covert cat population. Under the current law, residents face hefty fines of up to SGD$4,000 (US$2,970) and the risk of eviction for housing cats in prohibited areas. Despite the stringent penalties, many residents have openly flouted the ban, citing its impracticality and questioning its necessity.
Adam, a 42-year-old cat owner who requested anonymity due to breaching the regulation, expressed bewilderment at the ban’s existence. “Normally for cats, they’re not a problem,” he remarked, contrasting their relatively quiet demeanor with the potential disturbances caused by dogs. He, like many others, has defied the ban, observing a prevalent disregard for the rule among Singapore’s populace.
Although seldom enforced, the ban has sparked occasional conflicts between pet owners and disgruntled neighbors. It applies primarily to high-rise residential blocks governed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB), established in 1960 to address housing shortages and improve living conditions. Despite concerns over issues such as shedding fur and public defecation, a recent public consultation revealed overwhelming support for overturning the ban, with approximately 90% of respondents advocating for cats’ inclusion as household pets in HDBs.
The forthcoming policy change will permit residents to own up to two cats, along with one approved breed of dog, subject to completion of a free online pet ownership course and registration of microchips. Additionally, owners must undertake measures to safeguard their cats from hazards, such as installing protective mesh on windows to prevent falls.
Acknowledging the prevalence of multiple-cat households, authorities have announced an amnesty for those with more than two cats, provided they register their pets during a transitional period. This progressive shift in regulations coincides with a surge in pet ownership across Singapore, evidenced by a notable increase in expenditure on pet-related services and amenities.
Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the potential for pet abandonment and overpopulation. Aarthi Sankar, executive director at the Singapore Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, emphasizes the importance of registration in curbing abandonment rates and preventing shelters from exceeding capacity.
Animal welfare advocates have called for additional measures, including mandatory sterilization, to address issues of pet hoarding and accidental breeding. Despite apprehensions about enforcement and compliance, pet owners like Adam remain cautiously optimistic about the impending changes, eager to legalize their companionship with beloved pets like Tommy, who has long held sway as the de facto head of his household.
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