AVS: Singapore residents keeping unlicensed cats may face fines of up to S$5K

Singapore's two-year grace period for cat licensing has concluded, and the rules now have stricter enforcement. Beginning September 1, possessing an unlicensed pet cat will be considered an offense under the Animals and Birds Act, with potential fines of up to S$5,000. As of August 31, more than 111,000 pet cats have been licensed under the Cat Management Framework initiated in September 2024.

This increase from approximately 66,000 cats licensed on July 18 is attributed to the transition period, which provided cat-keepers with ample time to adapt. During this time, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) conducted over 120 free microchipping events at more than 30 locations, successfully microchipping around 11,500 cats.

Furthermore, free sterilization and microchipping were provided to eligible lower-income households. Microchipping involves assigning a unique identification number to each cat, linked to its owner and address. Additionally, cat keepers are responsible for ensuring their cats' safety, such as by preventing them from roaming or falling from heights, and maintaining physical control of the animals using carriers or harnesses.

The new rules also impose limitations on new license applications, with HDB households allowed up to two cats and private homes up to three cats and dogs. However, existing cat owners who owned more cats before September 1, 2024, are permitted to continue caring for them if they were licensed during the transition period and their welfare is appropriately maintained.

Fosterers enjoy added flexibility under the new system, as a pilot scheme launched on August 3 permits approved fosterers to care for up to six cats in three-room or larger HDB flats and up to 10 cats in private homes, with licensing fees waived for foster cats during the pilot, which extends until July 31, 2028.