Singapore has seen a significant decline in animal smuggling cases, with the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) reporting a 33 per cent drop in detected cases from 2024 to 2025. Only 28 smuggling incidents were recorded last year, a stark decrease from the 42 cases in 2024, continuing a positive trend that has been unfolding since 2022.
Details of the Cases
The cases involved both pets and wildlife meant for the pet trade, including animals such as dogs, cats, fish, and protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Out of the 28 cases in 2025:
- Eight led to court charges.
- Twenty resulted in composition fines.
Notable Incidents
Among the incidents was a March case where a man attempted to smuggle three puppies through Tuas Checkpoint, hiding them in a backpack on his motorcycle. The puppies tested positive for highly contagious viruses, leading to the man receiving an 18-week jail sentence.
In another case in October, a man tried to smuggle a White-rumped Shama, a CITES-protected bird, through Woodlands Checkpoint. The bird, transported in an inhumane cylindrical tube, sadly died due to neglect. He received a four-week imprisonment sentence.
Broader Implications
NParks and ICA caution that animal smuggling not only endangers the welfare of the animals but also poses risks to public health and safety. Smuggled animals can carry infectious diseases that threaten native wildlife and even humans. Singapore has remained rabies-free since 1953, a status that strict import requirements help maintain.
Regulatory Framework and Community Involvement
Under the Animals and Birds Act, offenders caught smuggling animals without a licence could face fines up to S$10,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months. Penalties increase for breaches of the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act, where fines can reach S$100,000 per specimen caught illegally.
Jessica Kwok, NParks Group Director of Enforcement and Investigation, emphasised the necessity of community involvement in combatting animal smuggling. “Beyond enforcement, the community also has a crucial role to play,” she said, urging citizens to report suspicious activities and adopt pets responsibly.
Takeaway Message
As Singapore continues its commitment to tackling illegal wildlife trade, NParks and ICA stress that vigilance and community engagement are vital. Prospective pet owners are encouraged to adopt from reputable sources to minimise demand for smuggled animals.