1 In 2 Bird Shops Does Not Comply With AVA Licence Conditions: Survey

SATURDAY CRIME NIGHT: ACRES INVESTIGATION INTO PET SHOP CONDITIONS FOR BIRDS IN SINGAPORE 2016

Some of you may be aware of the investigations that the ACRES Animal Crime Investigation Unit (ACIU) conducted in the past months on bird shops. Following reports received on the welfare conditions of birds for sale in pet shops in Singapore, the ACIU embarked on a survey of a total of 36 shops in Singapore displaying birds for sale.

The welfare conditions of the birds displayed for sale was assessed against the Pet Shop Licence Conditions set out by the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), Singapore.

The objectives of the investigations was to determine the animal welfare conditions for the birds displayed for sale in pet shops, and the extent to which bird shops in Singapore complied with the Pet Shop Licence Conditions (4) Display and Sale of Birds Conditions. These conditions can be viewed at http://www.ava.gov.sg/docs/default-source/tools-and-resources/resources-for-businesses/4birds_2011pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Nine of the conditions that can be visually examined were used for the investigation. Of the 36 shops surveyed, 27 (75%) were found to breach one or more of the Noted Conditions. At the time of investigations, one in two shops (52.7%) failed substantively, breaching one or more of the Noted Conditions directly governing the welfare of the animals, such as providing housing in good condition, display of sick or diseased birds and provision of clean drinking water and containers.

In addition, 17 out of the 36 (50%) shops were found to sell bird traps.

Part of the investigation also looked into the online sale of live birds across four platforms. While the pet shop licensing conditions govern the animal welfare in AVA licensed premises, we noted 655 advertisements offering birds for sale, with no regulations governing the welfare and ownership of these animals.

ACRES would like to thank the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) for following up on our findings, and taking enforcement action against the shops that they had found in non-compliance with the licensing conditions.

The findings also highlighted the need for the review of the current Pet Shop Licence Conditions and ACRES will continue to work closely with the AVA through our recommendations. The rampant online trade also highlights the need for regulations governing the sale of live animals online.

We also encourage the public to be the check and balance of the industry, as this assessment can be done by any one who walks into these shops, and the license conditions are available for public to view at http://www.ava.gov.sg/docs/default-source/tools-and-resources/resources-for-businesses/4birds_2011pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=2

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/1-in-2-bird-shops-does-not-comply-with-ava-licence-conditions/3261218.html

#ACRES #ACIU #birdshops #petshops #birdwelfare #OnlineBirdTrade #Birds #Undercover



The Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES), which conducted the survey, looked into the welfare conditions of birds displayed for sale in shops.

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/1-in-2-bird-sh..

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ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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