Singapore has seen a surge in reported animal abuse. In 2024 alone, there was a record high of 961 cases of animal cruelty and welfare concerns. These numbers are shocking, highlighting the growing need for public awareness and legal accountability.

Legal Protection for Animals in Singapore

Singapore advocates for animals under laws such as the Animals and Birds Act (ABA). It condemns animal cruelty and neglect, protecting the welfare of animals.

What is Considered Animal Cruelty in Singapore?

Under the ABA, animal cruelty includes both direct physical harm and psychological/ emotional suffering.

Examples of Animal Cruelty:

Some forms of animal cruelty are:

• Psychological pain: Including neglect and abandonment 
• Physical pain: Beat, kick, torture, terrify, overload or ill-treat an animal in any way
• Hoarding: Cramped or poor living conditions 
• Illegal activities: Animal fighting, including dogfighting and cockfighting

Penalties for Animal Cruelty:

• For first-time offenders: up to $15,000 in fines, and/or imprisonment of 18 months
• For repeat offenders: up to $30,000 in fines, and/or imprisonment of 3 years

What is Considered Neglect in Singapore?

Pet owners in Singapore are expected to comply with the Code of Animal Welfare (for Pet Owners), which sets out the following minimum duties:

• Provide adequate and suitable food and clean water
• Provide safe and sufficient shelter
• Prevent unnecessary pain or suffering
• Protect pets from injury or disease
• Not abandon pets and make reasonable efforts to recover lost animals

Failure to comply constitutes neglect, which is a criminal offence.

Penalties for Neglect or Abandonment:

• First offence: Fine of up to $10,000, and/or 12 months’ imprisonment
• Subsequent offence: Fine of up to $20,000, and/or 2 years’ imprisonment
• If the offence is committed during an animal-related business (e.g. pet boarding), the penalty increases to:
  • Up to $40,000 fine and/or 2 years’ imprisonment for a first offence
  • Up to $100,000 fine and/or 3 years’ imprisonment for a repeat offence

Animal Neglect and/or Abandonment 

Neglect involves the failure to provide the minimum standard of care for animals. Statistics show there were 137 pet abandonment cases involving 285 animals in 2023, more than double the number reported in 2022.

According to SPCA, neglect and abandonment make up the majority of animal cruelty cases.

In 2024, out of the 961 cases, a staggering 324 cases involved animals in poor living conditions, and 120 cases involved abandonment. These were among others such as unattended pets and high rise syndrome – where animals sustain injuries falling from a high place.

Overfeeding as a Form of Neglect or Cruelty

Often viewed as a harmless indulgence, overfeeding can also be a form of neglect or even cruelty under Singapore law.

• If overfeeding causes health issues resulting in unnecessary pain or suffering, it may be considered animal cruelty.
• If the diet is unsuitable and owners fail to take reasonable steps to ensure proper feeding, it may amount to neglect, even if no pain is present.

The importance lies in whether the pet’s dietary needs are met and whether any harm results.

Legal protections exist not only to punish wrongdoing but also to set standards for compassionate and responsible care. The way we treat animals reflects our societal values.

The law is clear: animals are sentient beings entitled to protection from neglect and cruelty.

If you witness any act of animal cruelty or neglect, report it immediately to the AVS (Animal & Veterinary Service) or SPCA. Your voice can help prevent suffering and save lives.

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