In a landmark shift, HDB may soon permit residents to keep up to two cats per flat, fostering responsible pet ownership and community harmony.
Singapore has some exciting news for cat enthusiasts! The Housing and Development Board (HDB) is considering a significant change that could allow households to have up to two cats in their flats, marking a reversal of a 34-year ban on cat ownership in public housing. This move is in response to a growing desire for pet ownership within the confines of community living.
Senior Minister of State for National Development, Tan Kiat How, revealed this proposed cat management framework during the Pets’ Day Out event at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, hosted by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). The aim is to strike a balance between residents’ desires for pet ownership and ensuring a harmonious living environment for everyone.
Under this proposed framework, not only will households potentially be able to own two cats, but there will also be requirements for mandatory microchipping and licensing of these pets. The focus is on responsible ownership and better management of cat populations.
However, this change isn’t immediate. The proposal is open for public feedback for two months before potential implementation in the latter part of 2024. During a two-year transition period, current and aspiring cat owners will have time to meet the licensing conditions, with all pet cat licenses issued during this period being free-of-charge.
The framework also emphasizes responsible ownership, including measures like ensuring the safety of cats within and outside the household and promoting sterilization. There’s an emphasis on the benefits of sterilization for cats, including better health and behavior.
Additionally, the proposed framework extends the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage program to include community cats, aiming to manage their population humanely and responsibly.
From now until February 1 next year, the public can provide their feedback through an online survey. It’s an opportunity for Singaporeans to contribute to this potential change in the city’s pet ownership landscape. If implemented, this could mark a significant and thoughtful shift towards a more cat-inclusive environment for Singaporean households.
