Public to be consulted on new law to regulate vet sector in Singapore

Bill will create a stronger system for managing complaints and investigations

- Ang Qing

The public will be consulted by end-2025 on new legislation to penalise errant veterinarians and regulate Singapore's growing vet sector.

Making the announcement on Oct 24, Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan said the Veterinary Practice Bill will create a stronger system for managing complaints, inquiries and investigations involving veterinarians, as well as a mechanism for appeals.

Cases of professional misconduct or negligence will be overseen by a Veterinary Council, he told members of the veterinary community at the Singapore Vet Show at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This comes as the number of licensed veterinarians in Singapore has increased from 122 in 2006 to 674 as at September.

Mr Tan, who is also Minister of State for Trade and Industry, said the law will also introduce a new registration framework for veterinarians, which includes a register for veterinary specialists that recognises those with additional training and qualifications.

All veterinarians currently licensed by the National Parks Board's Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) will be onboarded to the new framework, he added.

The proposed law will introduce penalties for veterinarians that can be enforced by the Veterinary Council, which will comprise representatives from the private and public sectors. Currently, such cases are handled by AVS.

The professional body will also set out professional standards for continuing education, practice, conduct and ethics of veterinarians, among other things.