Woman fined $2,000 and disqualified from owning any animals after abandoning pet dog in Woodlands

A 51-year-old woman was fined $2,000 and issued with a six-month disqualification order (DO) for pet abandonment by the court on Wednesday (Nov 21).

A DO disqualifies an individual from owning any animals.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) said in a news release that it was alerted in May to a Jack Russel Terrier that was abandoned at the 12th-storey lift lobby of Block 603 Woodlands Drive 42.

Investigations revealed that Cheng Yok Meng was the owner of the dog and had abandoned it at the said location.

The dog has since been rehomed.

The AVA said it takes a stern view on pet abandonment.

"Owning a pet is a lifelong commitment," the authority said in a statement.

"Existing and potential pet owners must understand the care and responsibility that comes with owning a pet. 

"AVA investigates all feedback on pet abandonment and will take enforcement action, where necessary."

Individuals who abandon their pets are liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or a maximum jail term of 12 months for first convictions.

The AVA said the public should promptly report cases of animal welfare issues to them via their 24-hour hotline, 1800-476-1600, or via their website.

All information shared will be held in the strictest of confidence.