Singapore is known for its strict laws, and this extends to the keeping of pets. There are a number of animals that are illegal to own in Singapore, including:
- Big cats (e.g. lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars)
- Primates (e.g. monkeys, apes)
- Venomous snakes (e.g. cobras, vipers)
- Dangerous dogs (e.g. pitbulls, rottweilers, doberman pinschers)
- Wild birds (e.g. parrots, eagles, owls)
- Reptiles over 2 meters long (e.g. crocodiles, alligators, large snakes)
- Marine mammals (e.g. dolphins, whales, seals)
- Endangered species (e.g. pangolins, tigers, rhinos)
- Animals that are not native to Singapore (e.g. meerkats, prairie dogs)
- Animals that are considered to be pests (e.g. rats, mice)
- Animals that are noisy or aggressive (e.g. macaws, cockatoos)
The list of illegal pets in Singapore is not exhaustive, and there may be other animals that are not allowed to be kept as pets. If you are unsure whether an animal is legal to own in Singapore, you should contact the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA).
Why are certain pets illegal in Singapore?
There are a number of reasons why certain pets are illegal in Singapore. These reasons include:
- Public safety. Some animals, such as big cats and venomous snakes, can be dangerous to humans and other animals.
- Animal welfare. Some animals, such as primates and wild birds, are not well-suited to living in captivity.
- Conservation. Some animals, such as endangered species, are protected by law.
- Invasive species. Some animals, such as non-native species, can pose a threat to native wildlife.
What are the penalties for owning an illegal pet in Singapore?
The penalties for owning an illegal pet in Singapore can be severe. These penalties include:
- Fines of up to $10,000.
- Imprisonment of up to 6 months.
- Confiscation of the animal.
In addition, you may also be required to pay for the cost of caring for the animal while it is in the custody of the AVA.
How to report an illegal pet
If you know of someone who is keeping an illegal pet, you can report them to the AVA. You can do this by calling the AVA hotline at 1800-432-2764 or by emailing them at [email protected].
Table 1: List of Illegal Pets in Singapore
| Animal | Reason for being illegal |
|---|---|
| Big cats | Public safety |
| Primates | Animal welfare |
| Venomous snakes | Public safety |
| Dangerous dogs | Public safety |
| Wild birds | Animal welfare |
| Reptiles over 2 meters long | Public safety |
| Marine mammals | Animal welfare |
| Endangered species | Conservation |
| Animals not native to Singapore | Invasive species |
| Animals considered to be pests | Nuisance |
| Animals that are noisy or aggressive | Nuisance |
Table 2: Penalties for Owning an Illegal Pet in Singapore
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Owning an illegal pet | Fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months |
| Failing to report an illegal pet | Fine of up to $1,000 |
| Obstructing an AVA officer | Fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 months |
Table 3: Tips for Choosing a Legal Pet
- Do your research. Before you get a pet, make sure you know what kind of animal you want and what its needs are.
- Consider your lifestyle. Make sure you have the time and resources to care for a pet properly.
- Check the law. Make sure the animal you want to get is legal to own in Singapore.
- Get a pet from a reputable source. This will help you ensure that your pet is healthy and well-socialized.
Table 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a Pet
- Not doing your research. This can lead to you getting a pet that you are not prepared to care for.
- Getting a pet on impulse. This can lead to you getting a pet that you do not want or cannot afford.
- Not checking the law. This can lead to you getting a pet that is illegal to own in Singapore.
- Getting a pet from an unreliable source. This can lead to you getting a pet that is sick or has behavioral problems.
