Programme to manage stray dogs effective, protocols will be reviewed to improve processes: Alvin Tan
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A video was posted on Instagram in November 2025 showing a dog being pushed into a crate with two poles while it bites one of the poles.
PHOTOS: STOMP
Follow topic:
- Singapore's TNRM programme has been effective since 2018: 4,500 dogs trapped, over 2,000 rehomed, and 80% sterilised, exceeding the 70% target.
- AVS intervened in a trapping operation at Seletar after reports of dog bites, leading to allegations of mistreatment and the death of a dog.
- The Ministry of National Development and AVS plan to improve TNRM collaboration with AWGs, reviewing protocols, enhancing communication, and conducting joint workshops.
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SINGAPORE – The Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme to manage the stray dog population in Singapore continues to be effective, said Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan.
Since it started in 2018, about 4,500 have been trapped, more than 2,000 rehomed, and 80 per cent of stray dogs sterilised.
“That is above our target of 70 per cent, and that resulted in a reduction of 80 per cent of feedback cases,” Mr Tan told Parliament on Jan 12.
Mr Tan said the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) will continue to work closely with TNRM partners to manage stray dogs, safeguarding both public safety and the well-being of the dogs.
“We intend to review joint protocols and improve communication and coordination. These build on existing collaboration channels such as TNRM rehoming efforts, outreach and AVS-led adoption drives,” he said.
He was responding to Ms Lee Hui Ying (Nee Soon GRC) on whether the Ministry of National Development or the AVS works with animal welfare groups during TNRM operations.
She also asked if consultations take place between the groups and AVS before each trapping exercise.
The TNRM programme is a collaboration between AVS, animal welfare groups, veterinarians and other relevant stakeholders. Mr Tan told the House that these partners play key roles, including conducting trapping and sterilisation operations.
Once an unsterilised stray dog has been identified, AVS will work with the TNRM partner responsible for the designated area to begin trapping operations, but in situations that pose a risk to public safety, AVS will intervene.
Animal rights groups alleged that during a recent trapping operation in Seletar West Farmway 8
Videos posted on Instagram by a private account on Nov 14 showed two dogs being captured at a farm in Seletar West, with a third dog already inside a crate. At least five men were seen to be involved in the process.
The video clips have since been posted on other social media accounts, including those of animal welfare groups.
One of the dogs, called Baby Boy, was observed to be well under the care of National Parks Board but died from a heart attack on Nov 21
Referring to the incident, Mr Tan said AVS’ animal management contractor was activated to trap and remove three stray dogs that several victims confirmed had chased and bitten them.
“The operation was carried out safely under the supervision of AVS staff and in line with existing protocols under TNRM.
“This includes complying with the World Organisation for Animal Health standards on stray dog population control to ensure that uncovered wire loops or ropes were not used during the trapping process, and giving due consideration to personnel and animal safety in determining the restraint procedures,” he said.
He said he visited animal welfare groups on Jan 9 to discuss ways to improve collaboration. In a LinkedIn post, Mr Tan said Ajax and Cola, the other two dogs trapped at the Seletar farm, were in good shape when he visited the Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter.
Mr Tan added that he has encouraged the groups to join the AVS’ TNRM workshop on Jan 15.
“I am happy that many of our partners will be joining this workshop for us to continue to refine these processes on the effectiveness of the TNRM programme,” he said.
