Responsible Pet Ownership
Pet ownership has been a hot topic of late. It comes as no surprise as animal welfare groups such as the Cat Welfare Society, ACRES, and SPCA have ramped up their efforts to raise awareness of proper pet care, highlighted cases of abuse and worked to ensure the ethical treatment of animals. But the authorities must do more to improve the pet ownership framework and regulations here as well.
Currently, AVA oversees the licensing or registration of animals while HDB regulates the size of dogs allowed for a flat. These rules have not been reviewed to keep up with changing times. For one, cats are still not allowed in HDB flats despite repeated appeals from cat lovers to review this law.
We are still seeing neighbour disputes arising from nuisance and noise caused by pets. Often, pet owners and neighbours requesting for information and/or enforcement find themselves in a ‘no right door’ situation.
I would propose that AVA and HDB streamline regulation regarding pet ownership and make the channels for complaint, action and appeal more integrated. We also have to improve pet ownership education to hold pet owners more accountable. Can we look into requiring new pet owners to attend training courses or other orientation programme? Proactive education is needed to ensure that when people purchase a new pet they understand the commitment involved, their responsibilities and how to manage their pets, we should request pet traders to play a more active role in this area. Lastly, would AVA consider AWG’s proposal to set up an Adoption Centre which provides a dedicated community facility that supports and encourages adoption?
Food Supply
Eating is often called the national pastime of Singaporeans. We love our food! But many do not think too much about where our food comes from unless there is a sudden shortage or increase in prices.
With limited land and resources Singapore has to import more than 90% of the food we consume.
This reliance on imported food makes us more vulnerable to shortages, especially with the threats of as climate change and inflation food costs.
It is good that the AVA has taken the effort to ensure that, except for eggs, most other key food items in Singapore have less than 50 per cent of their supply coming from a single country.
What is the Ministry’s plan to continue bolstering sufficient supply of key food items; and restore their supply in the event of supply disruptions and/or mitigate sharp price escalations?
With increased globalisation and diversified food sources, how would the government assure that the food does come in remains safe to eat so that Singaporeans can continue to enjoy their food with confidence?
