Pet keeper - Something you need to know

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From the AVA Singapore

http://www.ava.gov.sg/

http://www.ava.gov.sg/javascript/mod...n3-content.htm

About Wildlife Import And Export Controls

The Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act [ESA] is the national legislation that gives effect to CITES controls on import and export of wildlife and wildlife products. Under the Act, it is an offence to import and export any scheduled species listed in the ESA without a CITES permit from AVA. It is also an offence to possess, sell or display a scheduled species that has been illegally imported. The penalties under this Act for anyone convicted of illegal import/export of endangered species are fines up to $5,000 (or $10,000 for repeat offences) and/or jail of up to 1 year.

The Act empowers AVA officers to investigate, take enforcement actions against offenders and seize illegal consignments of endangered species.

In addition to the ESA, AVA administers the Wild Animals and Birds Act which prohibits the capture and export of native fauna and regulates import of wildlife.

Keeping exotic pets in Singapore

Singapore does not allow the keeping of exotic pets such as reptiles, amphibians and primates as pets for the following reasons:

- They can spread diseases to humans and domestic animals.
- Collection of wild animals for trading will lead to imbalance of the ecosystem and threaten the survival of endangered species.
- Welfare of the animals may be compromised due to many reasons such as unsuitable living conditions, poor diets and lack of knowledge of the pet owner taking care of the animal.
- Singapore’s biodiversity would be greatly affected if such exotic pets were released in the wild, as most of them are non-native.
- Causes nuisance, fear and trauma to the general public if the animals escaped.