Oral answer by Ministry of National Development on working with AWGs on Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage programme and trapping operations

Question No: 1088

Question by: Ms Lee Hui Ying

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry or Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) works with Animal Welfare Groups (AWGs) on the operations of the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage programme; and (b) if so, whether consultations take place between the AWGs and AVS before every trapping operation.

Answer:

Since 2018, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) has worked with its partners on the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme to manage the free-roaming dog population. Our TNRM partners play key roles, including conducting trapping and sterilisation operations. Upon identification of an unsterilised free-roaming dog, AVS will work with the TNRM partner responsible for the designated area to commence trapping operations.

In situations that present risk to public safety, AVS will intervene swiftly. For instance, in the case of the recent trapping operation at Seletar West Farmway 8 on 14 November 2025, AVS's animal management contractor was activated to trap and remove three free-roaming dogs, which were confirmed by several victims to have been involved in multiple chasing and biting incidents. The operation was carried out safely under the supervision of AVS staff and in line with existing protocols under TNRM. This includes complying with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards on Stray Dog Population Control to ensure that uncovered wire loops or ropes were not used during the trapping process, and giving due consideration to personnel and animal safety in determining the restraint procedures.

AVS will continue to work closely with TNRM partners in the management of free-roaming dogs, to safeguard both public safety and well-being of the dogs. AVS colleagues and I visited our partners last week to discuss ways we can better collaborate moving forward. For instance, we intend to review joint protocols and improve communication and coordination. These build on existing collaboration channels such as TNRM rehoming efforts, outreach and AVS-led adoption drives.

Issued by: Ministry of National Development

Date: 12 Jan 2026