29 cats seized from illegal breeder by Animal and Veterinary Service
Kittens that were put up for sale by an illegal cat breeder. (Photo: National Parks Board)
SINGAPORE: The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) has seized 29 cats from an illegal breeder, the National Parks Board (NParks) said on Thursday (Jan 13).
Acting on a tip-off from a member of the public on Jan 6 about the unlicensed breeding and selling of cats, investigators from AVS - which is part of NParks - seized the animals three days later.
A 58-year-old woman is assisting AVS with investigations.
“In the Jan 9 operation, AVS staff inspected the woman’s residential premises believed to be used to breed and sell cats,” NParks said in a media release on Thursday.
"The cats were seized, including 14 female cats, 10 male cats and 5 kittens.
"A pregnant cat, a nursing female and its kittens were sent to a veterinary clinic for observation, while the remaining cats are now under the care of AVS in the Animal Management Centre, where they have been assessed by AVS vets to be in good condition."
NParks advised the public to purchase their pets from licensed pet shops, which obtain animals legally from regulated sources and maintain records for each animal they have kept in their premises.
“Prospective pet owners should not purchase from unknown sources, including those on online platforms, as the health status of these animals are unknown and may carry diseases,” NParks said.
“These animals could be smuggled and/or not bred according to the standards of animal health and care which AVS impose on licensed breeders and pet shops.”
Under the Animals and Birds Act, those convicted of keeping animals in captivity for sale without a licence face a fine of up to S$5,000, or up to six months' jail, or both.
Those found using premises as a farm without a licence face a fine of up to S$10,000, or up to one year in prison, or both.
