A Singapore woman has been fined $21,500 after authorities uncovered an unprecedented case involving 79 dogs being kept in a single residential property. The offender, 50-year-old Julia Nicole Moss, faced multiple charges for housing unlicensed dogs, failing to microchip them, and exceeding Singapore’s legal limit of three dogs per household.
The case first came to light on June 7, 2022, when a law firm acting on behalf of a bank notified the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) of numerous dogs occupying Moss’ home, which was undergoing repossession due to a mortgage default. When NParks officers inspected the premises days later, they found 65 dogs that were both unlicensed and not microchipped, far violating local regulations intended to protect animal welfare and public safety.
Despite repeated engagements from AVS and NParks throughout 2022, Moss continually failed to comply with instructions to microchip and properly license the animals. Over the next two years, the number of dogs in her home increased to 79—78 poodles and one golden retriever—none of which had valid licences and the majority lacking microchips.
Moss frequently claimed she planned to relocate with her family and the dogs to Dubai, citing her husband’s employment. However, she never provided proof of the financial arrangements she referenced, and authorities observed no meaningful progress toward relocation or compliance.
In July 2023, Moss was declared bankrupt, further complicating her claims regarding financial delays. By early 2024, NParks issued a formal directive requiring her to microchip all dogs within 90 days. She failed to meet the deadline, again citing financial reasons. When AVS officers returned in September 2024, they found only eight dogs microchipped. The remaining 71 were microchipped during the visit, although Moss did not pay the $1,420 cost.
Eviction proceedings later accelerated the situation, as Moss and her family were required to vacate the property by January 25, 2025. Before authorities could determine the dogs’ welfare plans, Moss left the home with all 79 animals without notifying the Director-General of Animal Health and Welfare—another breach of regulations.
Authorities eventually located the family in a Sembawang rental property after public feedback. NParks continued offering assistance, including helping rehome the animals, but Moss refused. Her landlord terminated the tenancy soon after due to unpaid rent, forcing Moss to surrender 37 dogs. These were later rehomed with new families.
By July, NParks exercised its authority to seize the remaining dogs, although three were later returned to Moss once she obtained valid licences.
The case has been described by prosecutors as unprecedented in both scale and severity, raising significant concerns about responsible pet ownership and regulatory compliance in Singapore. It highlights the importance of adhering to licensing and welfare laws designed to safeguard both animals and the community.
