Animal Lodge Closure: League Loses Lease, Animals Safe

Singapore Animal welfare Group Faces eviction Over Rent and Animal Welfare Concerns

A leading animal welfare association in Singapore, the animal Lovers League (ALL), has lost its tenancy at The Animal Lodge (TAL) due to important rental arrears and serious concerns regarding the well-being of the animals in its care. The situation highlights the complex challenges facing animal shelters and the critical need for responsible animal welfare practices.

The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster within the National Parks Board (NParks), confirmed that ALL owes rent for over 50 months. Though, AVS officials emphasized that the decision to terminate the tenancy was driven by more than just financial issues.

“This was not one that only involved overdue rent, but it was also about the welfare of the animals at the ALL shelter, making it very complex,” a senior official stated on December 8 at NParks’ Botany Center.

According to the AVS, inspectors responding to feedback from ALL volunteers discovered multiple animals suffering from illness and lacking adequate veterinary attention. Many animals also exhibited signs of fear, anxiety, and stress.

Founded in 2002, ALL operated for 17 years at Pasir Ris Farmway before relocating to TAL in Sungei Tengah in March 2018. Initially,the group occupied 10 units housing approximately 200 animals. Rental arrears began accumulating in April 2019.

AVS attempted to resolve the situation by offering installment plans and even proposing to assume responsibility for the animals to alleviate ALL’s financial burden. However,the organization did not accept these offers and failed to clear its outstanding debt.

Did you know? – Singapore has a growing network of animal welfare groups, but many operate on limited funding and rely heavily on public donations and volunteer support.

In December 2024,AVS renewed the tenancy for only eight of the original ten units,a move described by a spokesperson as an attempt to encourage downsizing.When ALL was unable to meet its financial obligations by August 5, 2025, the tenancy was not renewed.AVS had previously issued seven advisories and two directives to the organization.

Despite the termination of the lease, AVS has prioritized the animals’ welfare. As December 2024, 15 animals requiring urgent medical attention have been removed from ALL’s care, with some successfully recovering and finding new homes with caregivers.

Pro tip: – When considering supporting an animal welfare organization, research its financial transparency and animal care practices to ensure responsible stewardship of resources.

Currently, ALL houses around 170 animals across its eight remaining units at TAL. The AVS maintains that the health and welfare of these animals remain its top priority.

Efforts to obtain a statement from ALL’s founders, Ms.Cathy Strong and mr. Mohan Div, have been unsuccessful. The Straits Times and other media outlets have yet to receive a response.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by animal welfare groups in Singapore and the importance of ensuring adequate resources and responsible practices to protect vulnerable animals.

Reader question: – What role should the government play in supporting animal welfare organizations financially and operationally? Share your thoughts.

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Analysis of Questions Answered:

* why: ALL lost its tenancy due to over 50 months of rental arrears and concerns about animal welfare, including illness, lack of veterinary care, and signs of stress in the animals.
* Who: The key players are the Animal Lovers League (ALL), the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) under NParks, Ms. Cathy Strong and Mr. Mohan Div (ALL founders), and ALL volunteers.
* What: ALL’s tenancy at The Animal Lodge (TAL) was terminated.