NParks probes 54 pet grooming complaints, considers CCTV rules as animal welfare concerns raised in Parliament

SINGAPORE: NParks has investigated 54 cases of feedback alleging harm to pets caused by groomers over the past three years, Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan told Parliament on Wednesday (14 Jan).

Mr Tan was responding to questions from PAP MP Jessica Tan, who raised concerns about animal welfare standards in the pet grooming industry following a case last October in which a dog died after being sent to a pet shop for grooming and was reportedly left unattended.

Ms Tan asked whether the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) would consider making it compulsory for pet groomers to provide CCTV recordings in areas where pets are handled or housed.

Mr Tan said individuals working in animal-related businesses, including pet groomers, are entrusted with the care of animals and are therefore expected to uphold higher standards of animal welfare.

As a result, such individuals face higher maximum penalties under the Animals and Birds Act (ABA) for animal cruelty and welfare offences compared with members of the public.

Failure to meet minimum standards under the Code of Animal Welfare may be used as evidence for enforcement action. Upon conviction, courts may also issue disqualification orders barring individuals from owning animals or operating animal-related businesses for up to 12 months.

Mr Tan added that NParks is reviewing the regulatory regime governing pet sector activities, including grooming businesses, as part of its ongoing review of the ABA.

“We will consider whether to include requirements for CCTV recordings when we amend the legislation,” he said, adding that the authorities are also reviewing penalties for animal welfare and cruelty offences, including those applying to animal-related businesses.

Calls for stronger supervision and reporting processes

Following Mr Tan’s reply, Ms Tan raised further questions on supervision standards during grooming sessions, particularly when pets are secured in holding areas or cages.

She asked whether AVS would review protocols to prevent prolonged, unsupervised confinement that could result in distress, injury or death.

Ms Tan also questioned the current processes and response times for handling complaints of suspected negligence in pet businesses, and how AVS could improve public reporting channels and investigation procedures to ensure timely follow-up.

She said pet owners should be able to report incidents easily and be aware of businesses that may have a history of complaints or non-compliance, while stressing the importance of tighter protocols for pets kept in confined or unsupervised areas.

Beyond enforcement and penalties, Ms Tan emphasised the need for preventive measures, noting the emotional distress experienced by pet owners when animals are injured or harmed.

She asked whether AVS would consider introducing mandatory certification or competency requirements for pet groomers, particularly in animal handling, safety protocols and emergency response.

Ms Tan also called on the Ministry to review licensing conditions for grooming businesses to include minimum supervision requirements and emergency preparedness standards.

Government reviewing regulatory framework

In response, Mr Tan reiterated that the Government is reviewing the ABA and gathering feedback from MPs and the public on the regulation of pet sector activities, including grooming businesses.

He said the Code of Animal Welfare already sets out minimum standards and best practices for the pet industry, including guidance that animals should not be left unattended.

Breaches of the Code, he said, can support prosecution under the ABA, including offences related to failure of duty of care or the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering.

Mr Tan added that NParks already has enforcement levers under existing legislation and would continue to take appropriate action where necessary.

He encouraged members of the public who encounter suspected animal welfare issues to contact AVS directly.