A 50-year-old Singaporean woman is facing 82 charges after authorities found at least 79 dogs kept in a single landed property at Wak Hassan Drive in Sembawang — far beyond the legal limit allowed under Singapore’s pet ownership regulations.
Julia Nicole Moss has been charged for allegedly housing 79 miniature poodles and crossbreeds at the premises without a valid licence issued by the National Parks Board (NParks). The charges include breaching pet licensing rules, failing to microchip the animals, and moving the dogs from another property without informing authorities, reported CNA.
Exceeded Legal Dog Ownership Limit and Failed to Comply with Regulations
Under current NParks regulations, a maximum of three dogs is permitted per privately-owned property, unless special approval is granted. Moss was allegedly keeping over two dozen times that number.
In addition, she has been accused of failing to microchip the dogs by the stipulated deadline of 27 August 2024, which is a mandatory requirement under the Animals and Birds (Pet Animals) Rules. She also faces a charge for removing the dogs from another address along the same street without notifying NParks, thereby hindering regulatory oversight.
The accused is expected to return to court in August 2025, as investigations and legal proceedings continue.
Dogs Taken into Custody and Now Up for Adoption
Following the seizure of the dogs, animal welfare group Voices For Animals (VFA) has stepped in to care for and rehome the animals. In a social media post, the group confirmed that none of the dogs are puppies and most are adult crossbreeds of poodles with uncertain lineage.
According to VFA, the dogs are not toilet trained, not hypoallergenic, and may shed. The organisation clarified that they are unsure if the dogs have existing medical conditions, as health records were not provided. A representative added, “This is a fresh start for them. We are simply trying to give them a second chance at a forever home.”
The adoption drive is scheduled for the coming weekend. Interested adopters are encouraged to fill out the application form linked in the official Voices For Animals page.
Controversy Over the Dogs’ Condition and Public Backlash
The incident sparked heated debate online, with members of the public criticising Moss for unethical breeding and alleged animal hoarding. In response, Moss took to the comment section of VFA’s post to defend her actions, claiming she had rescued and raised the dogs with care. She insisted that the dogs were well-fed, kept in good hygiene, and were part of a “lavish routine” including diets of goat’s milk, fruits, and essential oil treatments.
Despite her defence, online sentiment remains divided, with some commenters expressing sympathy for Moss’s situation, while others have called for stricter penalties against unauthorised breeders.
Authorities have yet to publicly disclose whether Moss will face further animal welfare-related charges under the Animals and Birds Act.
op images via Voices For Animals/Facebook