Sunny prides herself on being a law-abiding Singaporean citizen, however for the final three years, she’s been hiding a feline fugitive referred to as Mooncake.
“Cats are so much quieter than dogs. If they allow dogs, I don’t understand why not cats,” mentioned 30-year-old Sunny, who works in advertising and requested to be recognized solely by her first title as a result of she didn’t need to danger her cat being taken away.
Authorities hardly ever implement the ban, which solely applies to the high-rise Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat blocks the place 80 per cent of three.6 million Singaporeans reside, and it has lengthy been flouted by numerous cat lovers.
The ban does, nevertheless, make issues tough: as a result of they technically shouldn’t exist, HDB pet cats like Mooncake should not eligible for pet insurance coverage. Lawmaker Louis Ng, who has campaigned to revoke the ban, mentioned the regulation typically turns into leverage for warring neighbours.
“A lot of times, the cats are collateral when there’s neighbourly disputes,” he mentioned. “The neighbour will just say: ‘Oh you’re keeping cats, I’ll go and alert [the authorities]’.”
After 34-year ban, Singapore legalises pet cats for public housing residents
After 34-year ban, Singapore legalises pet cats for public housing residents
Singapore’s ban on cats in HDB housing is one more instance of town state’s infamously exacting rules-based tradition, during which, for instance, the sale and import of chewing gum stays banned.
Established in 1960, the HDB scheme sells government-built items on to certified residents on 99-year leases. It has led to one of many world’s highest home-ownership charges, however residents are topic to many restrictions and rules.
Cats had been allowed in HDB flats till parliament amended the housing legislation in 1989. On its web site, the HDB justifies the ban by saying that cats are “difficult to contain within the flat … they tend to shed fur and defecate or urinate in public areas, and also make caterwauling sounds, which can inconvenience your neighbours”.
It’s not clear what made the Singapore authorities change its thoughts, however the tipping level seems to be an official survey in 2022 that confirmed 9 out of 10 respondents agreed that cats had been appropriate pets to maintain, together with in HDB flats.
Dogs haven’t been topic to the same ban, however they’re restricted to 1 per family and solely sure breeds and sizes may be stored as pets: ‘yes’ to miniature poodles, ‘no’ to golden retrievers, for instance.
Market analysis agency Euromonitor International has predicted a surge in cat possession. In a report on prospects for cat-food corporations, it estimated Singapore’s present pet inhabitants at round 94,000 cats and 113,000 dogs.
Lawmaker Ng, who ran an animal welfare group earlier than becoming a member of parliament in 2015, additionally hopes the change will lead extra folks to undertake rescued cats.
I feel it’s a great factor and it’s a step ahead after 30 years
Under the brand new framework, HDB residents can be restricted to 2 cats. It additionally mandates licensing and microchipping cats, in addition to putting in mesh screens on home windows so cats don’t fall out.
Some cat lovers say the brand new rules don’t go far sufficient.
Thenuga Vijakumar from the Cat Welfare Society desires the legislation to mandate sterilisation. Cat rescuer Chan Chow Wah, 50, additionally desires penalties for irresponsible homeowners. He mentioned he needed to deal with a cat that fell from the third-storey and whose homeowners refused to pay its medical payments, in addition to one other cat that was deserted after being identified with coronary heart illness.
Feline good: Singapore agency launches luxurious cat cruises
Feline good: Singapore agency launches luxurious cat cruises
“I end up taking over these cases. Basically, I look after them until they pass away,” mentioned Chan, estimating he spent S$60,000 (US$45,100) on vet payments in 2022.
But for a lot of cat homeowners like Mooncake’s “mama” Sunny, the legislation is a blessing that may convey her peace of thoughts.
“I think it’s a good thing and it’s a step forward after 30 years,” she mentioned.
