The Illegal Pets (SG) | Light of Life Veterinary Clinic

THE ILLEGAL PETS (SINGAPORE)

What?

PLEASE TAKE NOTE:

Singapore has been a member of The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since November 1986.

CITES is an international agreement that ensures trade does not threaten wildlife species with extinction.

Member of CITES restrict trade of endangered species listed in Appendix I and regulate and monitor trade of species listed in Appendix II and III that might become endangered.

In Singapore, NPark (AVS), the authority that enforces and implements CITES regulations.

Click HERE for more.

Pets Allowed in Singapore

Above list is accurate at time of reference. Adapted from AVS.

WILDLIFE. NOT PET.

Why Wildlife are Not Pets?

Singapore does not allow the keeping of certain animals such as reptiles, amphibians and primates as pets due to the following reasons:

Is your pet terminally ill?

Ask your attending vet for a frank prognosis. If yes, fast track to 5. If no, continue to 2.
Are you able to afford and manage the next phase of medical treatment and care?

We definitely cannot put a price on love, but medical management is expensive and real. If yes, fast track to 6A. If no, fast track to 6B.
Is your pet still eating and drinking normally?

A sharp decline in appetite can indicate the need for medical procedure, e.g. to insert a feeding tube for easier management. If yes, continue to 4. If no, back track to 2.
Does your pet have other persisting/chronic issues?

For example: Chronic pain, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dehydration, Weight loss, Incontinence, Unable to stand, Unable to walk, Labored breathing, Coughing, etc. If yes, back track to 2. If no, continue to 5.
Are the medical options to improve the condition or only to maintain his/her current condition?

To improve - Back track to 2. To maintain only - Continue to 6. Artificially prolonging a non viable life may not be the best option.
What is the best option for your pet?

A. Seek medical treatment and management. B. Choose euthanasia. It is vital to remember what your beloved pet has to undergo at this point of time, with or without the medical support.

Example of these unsuitable animals:

Hedgehogs

Iguana

Tarantulas

Scorpions

Star Tortoise

Snakes

Salamanders

Sugar gliders

Slow Lories

Click HERE for "Pets Allowed in Singapore".

PENALTY FOR TRADING OF ENDANGERED WILDLIFE WITHOUT PERMITS

Penalty for Trading of Endangered Wildlife

The legislation in Singapore ensures the implementation and enforcement of the CITES in Singapore.

You need a permit from AVS to import, export, re-export ANY scheduled species.

It is an offence to import or export any endangered species without these permits.

It is also an offence to have, possess, sell, offer for sale or display to the public any endangered species.

AVS enforcement officers can enter and search any premises without warrant to seize any illegal wildlife.

They can also investigate CITES species in transit through Singapore.

Click HERE for more information.

An individual or company that violates the law can be:

fined up to S$50,000 for EACH animal or plant (not exceeding S$500,000 in total)
imprisoned for a term of 2 years

PENALTY FOR THE ILLEGAL CATCHING OF SINGAPORE' S WILD ANIMALS & BIRDS

Penalty for Catching Local Wild Animals & Birds

AVS enforces the Wild Animals and Birds Act, which makes it illegal to trap and be in possession of any Singapore's wildlife.

It is an offence to kill, take or keep any wild animal or bird without a licence, other than those specified in the Schedule such as mynas, pigeons and crows.

If you see any suspected poaching activities, call AVS at (65) 6805 2992 and provide this information:

Type of animals poached
Location of the animal poaching activity
Frequency of poaching
Description of accompanying vehicles used for the activity (model, colour, licence number)
Other useful information (photographs, equipment used for poaching, poachers description)
Your contact details

All information provided to AVS shall be kept strictly confidential.

Any person found doing so will be fined a maximum of S$1,000 and the animal will be seized.

KEEPING PETS THAT ARE NOT APPROVED

Keeping Pets that are Not Approved

DOGS

The following breeds of dogs are not allowed in Singapore:

Pit Bull, including:
- American Pit Bull Terrier (also known as American Pit Bull and Pit Bull Terrier)
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Crosses between them and other breeds
Akita
Boerboel
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Neapolitan Mastiff
Tosa
Perro De Presa Canario
Crosses of any of the above breeds

CATS

The following breeds of cats are not allowed in Singapore:

1st to 4th generation Bengal or Savannah cat crosses.

PARROTS

The import and possession of bird species listed in CITES Appendix I is not allowed unless the bird is bred in captivity in operations or farms that are registered with the CITES or used for non-commercial purposes.

The import and possession of birds from countries affected by Notifiable Avian Influenza is not allowed.

OTHERS

All wildlife not approved by AVS.

Importing any animals or live birds without an AVS permit is a violation of the Animals and Birds Act, and it carries a maximum penalty of $10,000 and/or jail of up to one year.

Click HERE for more information

KEEPING PETS THAT ARE BROUGHT INTO SINGAPORE ILLEGALLY

Keeping Pets that Enter Singapore Illegally

Animals that are illegally imported into Singapore are of an unknown health status.

In the case of dogs and cats, the foremost concern is Rabies.

Rabies, a viral infection, is transmitted to humans by bites from infected animals and one could die within weeks of contracting it. Singapore has been free of rabies for more than 60 years, so the import of dogs is regulated to prevent it from being introduced here.

In the case of birds, the foremost concern is Notifiable Avian Influenza.

The import of birds from countries affected by Notifiable Avian Influenza is not allowed because it is a highly contagious disease that is passable to humans.

Before bringing a pet into Singapore, you need to get a permit from AVS.

Apart from vaccinations and tests before an import licence from AVS is issued, the animal, especially a dog or cat from countries that have rabies, is subjected to quarantine to ensure it is free of exotic diseases.

The application can be made online and it takes about two working days to process, provided that the completed application form and all necessary supporting documents are received.

The licence is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

Click HERE for more information.

Importing any animals or live birds without an AVS permit is a violation of the Animals and Birds Act, and it carries a maximum penalty of $10,000 and/or jail of up to one year.

Attribution:

1. AVS

Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act Cap 92A (ESA )

Animals and Birds Act

Wild Animals and Birds Act

Address

LOCATION

Blk 703 Bedok Reservoir Road

#01-3508 Singapore 470703

CONTACT

Tel: 6243 3282

(By Appointment Only)