Tackling the Illegal Wildlife Trade
Since 2001, ACRES has worked to combat the illegal wildlife trade in Singapore through investigations, research, public education and policy advocacy.
Our work aims to uncover wildlife crime, support enforcement, reduce demand and strengthen protection for wild animals affected by trade and captivity.
Investigations & Enforcement Support
ACRES investigates the suspected illegal sale, possession and trade of wildlife and wildlife products, both offline and online. Information gathered through our investigations is submitted to the relevant authorities to support enforcement and policy review.
Over the years, our investigations have uncovered the trade of bear products, tiger parts, birds, reptiles and exotic pets, as well as animal welfare concerns within the pet trade.
Our Work Through the Years
2001 & 2006 | Bear Products
ACRES investigated the illegal trade in bear bile and other bear products at Traditional Chinese Medicine shops. In 2001, 50 of 68 shops surveyed were found selling bear gall bladders or bear bile. Follow-up investigations continued to highlight the prevalence of the trade and the need for enforcement and demand reduction.
Consumer Report on the Trade in Bear Gall Bladder and Bear Bile Products in Singapore
An Investigation into the Illegal Trade in Bear Products in Singapore
2008–2009 | Whale Sharks in Captivity
ACRES led a public campaign and petition opposing plans to import whale sharks for an oceanarium. Resorts World Sentosa subsequently announced that whale sharks would not be included in the attraction.
2009 | Let the Dolphins Go
ACRES campaigned publicly on the welfare of dolphins intended for captivity, raising awareness about the impacts of keeping these animals for entertainment.
ACRES Urges Public Not to Visit Dolphinariums, Hopes Resorts World Sentosa ‘Ends this Cruelty’
2010 & 2015 | Tiger Parts
In 2010, a three-month ACRES investigation found 59 of 134 jewellery and antique shops surveyed offering alleged tiger parts. A follow-up investigation in 2015 found 4 of 153 shops surveyed offering alleged tiger parts.
An Investigation into the Illegal Trade in Tiger Parts in Singapore
2012–2014 | Animal Welfare Law Reform
ACRES participated in the Animal Welfare Legislation Review Committee, contributing to reforms that led to the Animals and Birds (Amendment) Act 2014, including stronger animal welfare responsibilities and penalties.
2015 | Pet Shop & Farm Investigations
ACRES investigations highlighted animal welfare concerns at pet shops and farms. Findings were submitted to the authorities and contributed to enforcement action against non-compliant businesses.
An Investigation in Pet Shop Conditions for Dogs and Cats in Singapore 2015
Follow Up Investigation into Welfare Standards of Pet Shops & Farms in Singapore, November 2015
2016 | Bird Trade Investigation
An ACRES investigation uncovered illegal sales and welfare concerns involving birds at licensed outlets, leading to enforcement action.
An Investigation into Pet Shop Conditions for Birds in Singapore 2016
2016–2017 | Online Wildlife Trade
ACRES identified 156 online advertisements involving the sale of exotic wildlife, highlighting the growing role of online platforms in facilitating wildlife trade.
Undercover Investigation into the Online, Illegal Wildlife Trade in Singapore, December 2015
2017 | Tiger Parts Investigation
Further investigations by ACRES uncovered suspected illegal possession and sale of tiger parts, with information referred to the authorities.
2019–2020 | Wildlife Act
Following years of advocacy and coexistence work, changes to Singapore’s wildlife legislation strengthened protections, including measures addressing wildlife feeding and release.
2021 | Bird Welfare in Pet Shops
ACRES surveyed pet shops and documented welfare concerns including overcrowding, inadequate cage sizes and inappropriate care. Findings were submitted to the authorities.
Report: Survey into Pet Shop Welfare. Conditions for Birds in Singapore and Recommendations
2021–2023 | Illegal Wildlife Trade on Telegram
ACRES investigated the growing sale of wildlife through Telegram and other online channels, documenting sellers and advertisements and providing information to the authorities.
2022 | Stronger Wildlife Trade Penalties
Amendments to the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act strengthened penalties for offences involving protected wildlife. ACRES had advocated for stronger deterrence against wildlife trafficking.
2025 | ACRES–SPCA White Paper
ACRES and SPCA jointly published a White Paper proposing reforms to strengthen animal protection in Singapore, including recommendations relating to wildlife trade, animal sales and enforcement.
White Paper on Strengthening Protections for Animal Welfare
Education, Advocacy & Public Action
Enforcement alone cannot end the illegal wildlife trade. ACRES also works to reduce demand, increase public awareness and advocate for stronger policies and protections.
Members of the public play an important role as our eyes and ears. If you encounter suspected illegal wildlife trade:
- Do not purchase or support the trade.
- Document relevant information such as screenshots, usernames, listings and locations where it is safe to do so.
- Report suspected wildlife crime to ACRES or NParks.
Report Wildlife Crime
For wildlife crime reports and enquiries, contact crime@acres.org.sg
For urgent wildlife rescue assistance, contact the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Hotline: 9783 7782 (7am–1am daily).
Together, we can reduce demand, expose illegal trade and keep wild animals in the wild.