Over 111,000 pet cats licensed since start of new ownership rules; transition period to end on Aug 31
Owners who have yet to microchip their cats are urged to do so soon.
Singapore has seen over 111,000 pet cats licensed since the introduction of new cat ownership rules two years ago, according to a ministerial update on Aug 31. The Cat Management Framework, launched on Sept 1, 2024, now requires all pet cats to be microchipped and licensed to enhance traceability and owner accountability. Minister of State for National Development & Foreign Affairs Alvin Tan urged cat owners to get their animals microchipped and licensed promptly, as the two-year transition period comes to an end on Aug 31.
During this period, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) provided over 170 free microchipping drives, microchipping more than 13,000 cats, and supported free sterilisation and microchipping for over 6,300 cats from low-income households through the Pet Cat Sterilisation Support programme. Starting Sept 1, it will be illegal to own unlicensed pet cats under the Animals and Birds Act.
Tan also announced that standard cat ownership limits will apply from Sept 1, with HDB residents allowed a maximum of two cats and private residence owners permitted up to three cats and dogs. The AVS has increased funding for the sterilisation and microchipping of community cats as part of its Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage programme, which has already assisted more than 4,700 community cats.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
