Singapore’s National Parks said it would not impose restrictions on use of electric shock collars to train animals. However, many pet owners petitioned to review the decision, as they felt the decision provides option for potential abuse. So far, more than 1500 signatures have been collected on change.org.
Earlier in March, the government body was crafting guidelines to highlight the dangers associated with the use of aversive animal training tools like electric collars, said Senior Minister of State for National Development, Tan Kiat How. Tan personally experimented with electric collars and experienced the discomfort and shock they deliver.
Regarding incidents of animal cruelty, Mr. Tan stated that his ministry received approximately 1,250 reported cases annually from 2019 to 2023. Out of these, an average of about 60 cases each year, between 2019 and 2022, were identified as instances of animal cruelty. He noted that enforcement measures were taken against perpetrators, ranging from warnings to legal prosecution, depending on the seriousness of the offense. Mr. Tan made these remarks in response to questions from a Member of Parliament during a session in Parliament on 7th March.