Shelters struggle to find new homes for hundreds of animals as deadlines loom and options dwindle.
In mid-August of this year, numerous cats and dogs sheltered in commercial pet boarding facilities and rescue shelters along Lim Chu Kang Lane 1 found themselves in a precarious situation. The operators of these centers were notified that they needed to vacate the premises, as the area is designated for military use due to the upcoming development of Tengah New Town.
The shelters were given a deadline of July 31 to relocate all animals in their care, but many had no viable options at that time, as their new facilities were not yet ready. “We are taking it day by day,” said Terry Lim, director of Metta Cats and Dogs Sanctuary, one of the six affected organizations.
Now, nearly two months later, two of the six groups remain uncertain about when they will be able to leave Lim Chu Kang. The landlord, Globe Eximport, had leased the land from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) but has since been summoned to court for failing to vacate as instructed.
“We’re still taking it day by day,” Terry reiterated during our conversation on September 8. Would they manage to move out by October 3? “We should be able to, barring any issues,” he replied, though the exact date for the move remains unconfirmed as eviction approaches.
A Shift in Plans
The situation escalated following a delayed notification regarding the impending move. In a joint email statement addressing queries from RICE Media, SLA and the National Parks Board (NParks) stated that tenants had been informed of the redevelopment plans as early as September 2014. NParks has been advising Globe Eximport to utilize the remaining tenure for transition plans since 2017.
Regina Gan, who runs a pet boarding center, noted that while she was aware of the redevelopment plans for the past few years, the specific timeline for moving remained unclear. “I thought yearly extensions would continue for a while,” she said, recalling a similar experience when animal shelters in Pasir Ris Farmland were given extensions before their relocation in 2018.
The Search for New Homes
Despite lacking a definitive deadline, some tenants had started searching for new locations as early as 2020. Terry reported exploring various sites, but finding a suitable place proved challenging. “Every time I mentioned pet boarding, landlords immediately turned us down,” he said.
Similarly, Regina encountered obstacles in her search for alternatives after the July 31 deadline. “Landlords seem unwilling to rent to pet boarding businesses, fearing competition from other pet-related operations,” she shared.
AVS Steps In
As the deadline approached, Globe Eximport had informed the tenants of their need to vacate by the end of July. However, the operators received reassurance from authorities that legal action would take time, allowing them to plan their moves.
In response to the situation, AVS reached out to assist with the impending relocations. During on-site meetings, tenants expressed their concerns about the tight timeline. Discussions included the possibility of moving into units at The Animal Lodge, a facility built to accommodate animal welfare groups displaced by land leases expiring at Loyang, Seletar, and Lim Chu Kang.
The Waiting Game
Commercial boarding centers like Regina’s must compete for units at The Animal Lodge, while animal welfare organizations have allocated spaces. A tender process for units began in March and was expected to conclude in June, but results were delayed until August—over two weeks past the original move-out deadline.
Terry’s sanctuary eventually signed a lease for a unit at The Animal Lodge in early August but faced challenges in the interim. “We kept pressing them for updates, but their responses were vague,” he recalled.
Despite securing units, both Terry and Regina have expressed frustration with the facilities’ conditions. Temporary units were offered, but they were deemed inadequate for housing animals safely.
New Challenges Emerge
Even after some shelters secured new units, complications persisted. “Our space at The Animal Lodge is bare, lacking basic amenities. It’s like moving into a new flat that isn’t ready,” Regina explained. Renovation processes added further delays, as each step required approval from various authorities.
Though AVS has pledged to expedite the renovation process, concerns about safety and hygiene remain paramount. Both Regina and Terry have voiced dissatisfaction with the temporary units offered, citing safety hazards and inadequate living conditions for the animals.
Ongoing Uncertainty
As the end of September approached, shelters still lacked clarity regarding their moves. The situation has put immense pressure on both operators and the animals they care for. “We take in rescue animals that have nowhere else to go. Many have experienced trauma, and moving can be extremely stressful for them,” Terry said.
With uncertainty looming, planning for the relocation has become nearly impossible. “How can I pre-book transportation when I don’t have a move date?” Regina lamented, emphasizing the unique challenges of moving living beings.
The plight of these animal shelters serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in managing both human and animal welfare amid evolving land use policies.
This article has been updated with responses from AVS as of September 27, 2022.
