Eight Pet Businesses at The Animal Lodge Lose Leases Over Animal Welfare Standards

Eight commercial tenants at The Animal Lodge in Sungei Tengah will not have their leases renewed after failing to meet the requirements of a tender exercise. The affected businesses include seven dog breeders and one pet boarding facility. The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), which is under the National Parks Board, announced the decision on September 1. The tenancies for these eight businesses are set to expire on December 5.

Of the 35 existing commercial tenants at the facility, 27 met the requirements and will be allowed to remain. These successful tenants may renew their leases for up to three terms until December 5, 2035. The 35 businesses currently occupy 53 units and include pet breeders, boarders, and a pet crematorium.

AVS Director Trisha Eng stated that the tender required proposals demonstrating how operators would enhance animal welfare and operational outcomes beyond baseline regulatory requirements. These criteria included animal health and welfare standards, husbandry practices, and regulatory track records. Examples of exceeding baseline standards include implementing more frequent veterinary checks for breeding animals or installing air conditioning to improve living environments. AVS noted that while all tenants met existing regulatory requirements to hold their licenses, the tender sought those who would go above and beyond those minimums.

AVS limited the tender to existing tenants first to minimize the disruption and displacement of animals. The agency has engaged tenants since November of last year through more than 15 sessions, including town halls and workshops. AVS declined to reveal the identities of the eight unsuccessful businesses, though some affected breeders and the boarding operator expressed unhappiness with the decision. Ms. Eng stated the decision is final and no appeals will be considered.

AVS will work with the unsuccessful tenants to ensure transition plans are in place for the relocation, rehoming, or selling of animals. The vacated units may be made available to new entrants in future tender exercises. Some successful tenants, such as cat breeder ChubbyBuddy and dog breeder Wellfond Pets, plan to further improve their facilities through DNA testing and renovations.