Since 2001, ACRES has been at the forefront of tackling the illegal wildlife trade in Singapore through undercover investigations, policy advocacy, and public education. These efforts aim to reduce demand, strengthen enforcement, and improve welfare standards for wild animals affected by trade and captivity.
Investigations and Enforcement Support
ACRES regularly conducts undercover investigations to uncover the illegal sale and possession of wildlife and their parts. Findings are shared with the authorities to prompt enforcement actions and policy reviews. As a result, Singapore has seen nationwide crackdowns, with traders and owners of prohibited wildlife successfully prosecuted or issued formal warnings.
Our past investigations have exposed illegal trading in bear bile, tiger parts, reptiles, and exotic pets, as well as poor welfare conditions in pet shops selling birds. These findings have led to fines, confiscations, and legislative reviews, and continue to guide our demand-reduction and outreach campaigns.
- The Trade in Bear Gall Bladder and Bear Bile Products in Singapore (2001)
- An Investigation into the Illegal Trade in Bear Products (2006)
- An Investigation into the Illegal Trade in Tiger Parts (2010)
- An Investigation into Pet Shop Conditions for Birds (2016)
The Growing Threat of Online Wildlife Trade
In recent years, the illegal wildlife trade has shifted online, with sellers using social media and encrypted messaging platforms such as Telegram to advertise protected species.
Our 2023 Telegram Wildlife Trade Report revealed a 196% increase in prohibited wild animals advertised and a 586% rise in individual sellers compared to 2021.
In just 122 days, we documented 993 prohibited wild animals offered for sale across three Telegram chats — averaging eight illegal wildlife listings per day.
ACRES continues to flag illegal listings and provide enforcement leads to NParks, which has successfully apprehended several online sellers. However, these numbers highlight the urgent need for stronger digital accountability.
Our 2023 report recommends that online platforms and service providers be held legally responsible for ensuring the swift removal of illegal wildlife listings and for shutting down offending groups.
While Singapore’s new Online Criminal Harms Act addresses harmful human-related content, ACRES advocates for similar measures to recognise that harm to biodiversity and animals is also harmful to society.
For report queries, please contact crime@acres.org.sg
Pet Shop Welfare Investigations
ACRES also monitors licensed pet shops to ensure compliance with welfare standards under the Animals and Birds (Pet Shop and Exhibition) Rules. Our undercover surveys in 2016 and 2021 found that a majority of shops selling birds failed to meet basic welfare requirements, including cage size, overcrowding, and species compatibility.
After meetings with NParks in 2022, ACRES’ recommendations have informed an ongoing review of pet shop licensing conditions and the Code of Animal Welfare for Bird Owners. We continue to work closely with NParks and relevant stakeholders to push for clearer standards and improved enforcement.
Policy and Public Engagement
Beyond enforcement, ACRES focuses on public education and policy change to address the root causes of wildlife crime. Our outreach and awareness campaigns empower the public to recognise and report illegal activity through the ACRES Wildlife Crime Hotline (9783 7782).
Each report from the public contributes to stronger enforcement and greater accountability. Together with NParks, the police, and other agencies, ACRES continues to work toward a Singapore free from wildlife exploitation — where wild animals are no longer sold, displayed, or kept as commodities.