A 25-year-old man, Aw Ying Liang was fined $31,000 by the court on 21 March 2018 for breaching of the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority’s (AVA) pet shop licensing conditions and failure in duty of care. The court has also issued Aw a two-month disqualification order from operating any animal-related business.
In March 2017, AVA was alerted to a case where a puppy purchased from Fatty Paws Pet Shop died of parvovirus.
Their investigation shows that Aw, licensee of Fatty Paws Pet Shop, had failed in the duty of care as he did not bring said puppy for veterinary treatment. AVA also found that Aw had breached seven pet shop licensing conditions related to vaccination and traceability.
In addition, AVA requested on three occasions during their investigation, through written notices sent to Aw’s pet shop and residence, for Aw to report to the investigation officer for statement taking. However, Aw repeatedly failed to comply with the notices and could not be contacted. Aw was charged for failure to comply with AVA’s written notice to be present for investigation. This charge was taken into
consideration in the sentencing.
For failure in duty of care in the course of conducting an animal-related business, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $40,000 and/or 2-year jail term for first convictions. For breaching AVA’s pet shop licensing conditions, licensees are liable to a maximum fine of $5,000. Individuals who without reasonable excuse, refuses or fails to comply with an AVA written notice shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
AVA would like to urge all their stakeholders, including the members of the public to share responsibility in safeguarding the animal welfare.
While AVA continues to ensure that regulatory measures are in place and enforced, the public can play a part by being vigilant. The public should promptly report cases of errant pet shops or animal cruelty to AVA via our 24-hour hotline, 1800-476-1600, or via their website. Providing photographic and/or video-graphic evidence will help them in their investigations. All information shared with AVA will be held in the strict confidence.
