Retired Sniffer Dogs from K-9 and Military Working Dog Units to be Rehomed Under Pilot Expansion of Project ADORE
The pilot signals cautiously expanding pet accommodation in public housing, which may inform future rules while balancing adopter demand with neighbourhood acceptance.
From June 2017, a one-year Project ADORE pilot allowed eligible K-9 and military handlers to rehome retired sniffer dogs in HDB flats.
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From June 2017, dog handlers from the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force K-9 units, and the SAF Military Working Dog Unit (MWDU) will be allowed to rehome retired sniffer dogs in HDB flats under a one-year pilot expansion of Project ADORE. This pilot expansion is co-led by the Ministry of National Development (MND), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), with the support of the Housing and Development Board (HDB), the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) and Animal Welfare Group partners under Project ADORE.
Project ADORE was launched in 2012 to assess the acceptance of mixed-breed dogs in HDB estates, if proper safeguards are in place. Observations have shown that residents have been receptive to larger dog breeds in their neighbourhoods if the dog owners behaved responsibly and there were proper channels in place for dispute mediation. The scheme has been well-received thus far.
K-9 and MWDU dog handlers have expressed interest in adopting the service dogs after they are retired from service. They train and work with their dogs on a daily basis, have developed close bonds with them, and are experienced in managing these well-trained dogs. These dogs have also contributed to Singapore’s safety and security while on active duty. However, K-9 and MWDU dog handlers who reside in HDB flats have been unable to adopt their dogs as the size and breeds of the retired dogs do not meet existing HDB regulations or Project ADORE’s criteria. With this pilot expansion, they will now be able to do so. The allowable sniffer dog breeds include Labradors, English Springers, Cocker Spaniels and Pointers. MND will review the pilot expansion after one year and assess whether to extend it to other types of service dogs.
The same conditions in place for Project ADORE will also apply to the pilot expansion. This includes the screening of potential adopters, a framework to encourage community acceptance of the dogs (e.g. mediation channels for disputes), and measures to prevent abandonment of the dogs through microchipping. All adopters will be required to comply with the ownership conditions and the Code of Responsible Behaviour as set out by MND.
Issued by: Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Defence
Date: 9 May 2017