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The authorities are looking into a piece of feedback they received about the pony rides and exhibit at Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2023.

Concerns raised about animal welfare

The exhibit, run by public horse-riding centre Gallop Stable, has received criticisms from animal welfare groups and bazaar visitors.

The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) told Mothership the conditions the horses were kept in were concerning.

Both groups also said the exhibit lacked educational value.

One bazaar visitor told Mothership that she was alarmed to find the ponies still working at 11:30pm even though operating hours at the exhibit should have ended at 10pm.

AVS will continue to monitor event

In response to Mothership's enquiries, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) said it has received one feedback regarding an animal exhibition event involving ponies at the bazaar.

"AVS takes animal welfare seriously and is looking into the feedback," said group director Jessica Kwok.

"The event operator has been reminded to comply with the licensing conditions that have been issued, which includes ending the event according to their submitted programme schedule of 10pm, and ensuring that the animals are given sufficient time to rest in between interaction sessions."

"We will continue to monitor the animal exhibition event and conduct checks for compliance," Kwok added.

According to AVS, organisers that wish to exhibit animals must ensure that the health and welfare of the animals are taken care of to obtain the license to do so.

This includes ensuring that the animals are given enough rest, not subjected to stress, and exhibited in good environmental conditions that are clean and comfortable.

AVS will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any breaches to the licensing conditions, said Kwok.

The public can reach out to AVS for any animal-related feedback at www.avs.gov.sg/feedback or call the Animal Response Centre helpline at 1800-476-1600.

Top image via Mothership reader.