A survey conducted by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore revealed that over 80 percent of respondents expressed support for microchipping and licensing pet cats, a practice currently implemented for dogs. The majority of participants also agreed that cats should be allowed as pets in Housing Board (HDB) flats, with approximately 90 percent stating that cats are suitable companions.
The results of the consultation, which took place from September to November 2022, were released on March 6 this year. Since 1989, there has been a ban on keeping cats as pets in HDB flats. However, AVS stated in September 2022 that it would reconsider this prohibition after taking into account feedback from the public consultation.
The survey received a significant response, with over 30,000 diverse stakeholders participating. AVS noted that the respondents overwhelmingly supported the proposed approach to cat management.
The majority of respondents believed that microchipping and licensing cats would enhance their health, welfare, and traceability. They recognized the importance of being able to trace a pet’s whereabouts, close contacts, and health status in the event of infectious diseases, including zoonotic ones. Licensing was seen as a means to promote accountability among cat owners, addressing issues such as pet abandonment and facilitating the swift reunion of lost pets with their owners.
A survey conducted by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore revealed that over 80 percent of respondents expressed support for microchipping and licensing pet cats, a practice currently implemented for dogs. The majority of participants also agreed that cats should be allowed as pets in Housing Board (HDB) flats, with approximately 90 percent stating that cats are suitable companions.
Since 1989, there has been a ban on keeping cats as pets in HDB flats. However, AVS stated in September 2022 that it would reconsider this prohibition after taking into account feedback from the public consultation. The results of the consultation, which took place from September to November 2022, were released on March 6.
The survey received a significant response, with over 30,000 diverse stakeholders participating. AVS noted that the respondents overwhelmingly supported the proposed approach to cat management.
LICENSING CATS
The majority of respondents believed that microchipping and licensing cats would enhance their health, welfare, and traceability. They recognized the importance of being able to trace a pet’s whereabouts, close contacts, and health status in the event of infectious diseases, including zoonotic ones.
“Enhancing traceability would enable AVS to react more expediently in the event of a disease outbreak,” said AVS.
Licensing has been used as a means to promote accountability among cat owners, addressing issues such as pet abandonment and facilitating the swift reunion of lost pets with their owners.
Furthermore, nearly 80 percent of respondents agreed that mandatory courses should be attended by first-time dog and cat owners to equip them with essential pet care skills.