Singapore to overturn ban on pets in public housing

Singapore is set to overturn its 34-year-old ban which limits pets from being a part of its housing societies.

The high-rise blocks that fell under the Housing and Development Board (HDB) were subject to the ban from 1960. HDB was introducedto address a housing crisis in which people were living in cramped settlements without proper sanitation.

At present, more than 80 per cent of Singapore's population resides inHDB flats.

The ban on cats was imposed in the year 1989 for HDB flats as the agency said that it was difficult to contain felines within the apartment and that “they tend to shed fur and defecate or urinate in public areas, and also make caterwauling sounds, which can inconvenience your neighbours.”

Reportedly, a survey that found over 90 per cent of the people agreed that cats should be allowed as pets in HDBs, may be one of the reasons for a change in the policy.

As per the new regulations, the residents would be permitted to own up to two cats and a dog of an approved breed.

But there's a catch!

The owners will have to sign up for and complete a pet ownership course that will be provided free of cost.

They will have to microchip their pets and also register them.

The owners will also have to take adequate responsible measures to safeguard cats from hazards.

The development comes as Singapore witnesses a rise in the number of pet owners and the amount spent on animals.

The new rules will come into effect in September 2024.

Singapore had about 94,000 pet cats in 2023, which was approximately 10 per cent of what it witnessed in 2019, according to a Euromonitor International report cited by Singaporean broadcaster CNA.

(With inputs from agencies)