Animals don’t have the same rights as they do in the US and other Western nations but the tide is turning. And if you are an animal lover who perhaps chose to travel to nations that protect animals, then you’d be happy to know that even in Asian nations, some of which have been the target of protests by Americans for their dog-eating festivals, pets are getting more rights.
If your plan is to visit or move somewhere like Singapore, for example, know that a reliable immigration agent Visa Express Singapore is on hand to help any person going to Singapore and provided the following updates on what a recent law about pet rights state:
Who it Affects
The new law affects people who own animals or pets, and also businesses that deal with all kinds of animals. As per the law before, these groups were barred from mistreating their animals in crude ways like abandoning, kicking or beating them.
However, this new law goes further and requires the mentioned groups of people to provide more care to their animals. When your animal like or pet goes missing, it is the duty of the owner to look for it. The bill also clearly indicates that animals must get adequate shelter, food, and water. Further, the animals must get adequate medical attention when it falls ill.
Effect to Animal-Related Businesses
The new law requires that all staff who will handle animals in these institutions need to have relevant training. The new law created a provision to come up with the relevant training required at a later date.
Consequently, the country had previously collaborated with various bodies like Employment and Employability Institute (E2I) and Singapore Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) to come up with a standardized training for animal handlers. They were also working towards getting a higher number of trainers on matters of animal welfare.
Penalties for the Defaulters of the Law
The new law is considered to be stricter than ever. Therefore, any person who is convicted and found guilty of neglecting animals is liable to pay a fine of $20,000 or/and be jailed for two years.
Furthermore, those who are used to being cruel to animals risk paying $30,000 and/or a 3-year jail term. This is a three-fold increment from the previous punishments outlined by the previous laws.
What is more is that businesses that deal with animals will pay up to $100,000 and/or 3 years in prison once there is proof that they have defaulted the law.
Lastly, such businesses without properly trained staff can part with $5,000 fine and/or 6 months behind bars.
The Impact on Enforcement
The law mandates the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) to have more power to enforce the law through directives to the owners. They are also required to collect evidence through technological means like video, audio, and photographs of those who do not comply with the law. Upon proof that the owners have defied the directives given in writing by AVA, they face either a $10,000 or $20,000 fine, respectively. Each can also get a one-year jail term instead of the fine, or get both.