Why we should be concerned when animals are abused
A community cat feeder at a makeshift memorial for King Kong the cat, who was brutally killed earlier in May. PHOTOS: JANET CHIN
Why we should be concerned when animals are abused
SINGAPORE - In the wake of the brutal killings of two community cats in May, some members of the public are echoing a question posed by Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam after the first incident: What kind of person would do this?
In a January report, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said there were 961 confirmed reports of animal abuse involving some 2,190 animals in 2024. The figure is a 12-year high and means an average of six animals were subjected to suffering or death each day in Singapore last year.
SPCA's first full report on the state of animal cruelty and welfare in Singapore also revealed that more than half of these cases involved cats, with 1,330 cases, or 60.7 per cent.
The numbers have some mental health experts concerned.
Dr Annabelle Chow, principal clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology , said: 'At a moral level, these acts are appalling and reflective of a disregard for the suffering of sentient beings. They suggest that animals are perceived to be less worthy of compassion or protection.
Helplines Mental well-being Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours
Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
We Care Community Services: 3165-8017
Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources mindline.sg
eC2.sg
tinklefriend.sg
chat.mentalhealth.sg
carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)
shanyou.org.sg
'Beyond morality, there are serious psychological and societal implications.'
Dr Lim Boon Leng, a private psychiatrist from Dr BL Lim Centre for Psychological Wellness said that such cases of animal abuse and cruelty are a 'worrying red flag'.
'We should be very concerned, especially when the acts go beyond mere neglect or impulsive aggression and take on a calculated, brutal nature,' said Dr Lim.
'The sheer level of cruelty inflicted - mutilation, repeated injuries, or killing with intent - often correlates with deeper psychological disturbance.
'Such behaviour isn't just anti-social; it may reflect entrenched callousness, sadism, or a lack of empathy so profound that it borders on psychopathy.'
Animal cruelty at a young age is a warning sign for future interpersonal violence, both Dr Chow and Dr Lim said, citing the Violence Graduation Hypothesis , which assumes a direct causal link between animal cruelty and interpersonal aggression.
Youth who abuse animals are also at an increased risk of harming peers, family members, and others later in life, Dr Chow said. For them, such behaviours may be driven by curiosity, a desire to gain peer approval, or even a desire to attract attention.
If left unaddressed, these behaviours may escalate and contribute to wider societal harm.
In clinical terms, the severity of violence is often a more telling indicator of risk than frequency alone, Dr Lim added - someone who goes out of their way to inflict prolonged suffering on an animal is far more likely to escalate, or already be engaging in, other harmful behaviours such as emotional abuse, coercive control, or violence toward vulnerable individuals.
'In Singapore's context, societal constraints (legal, cultural, and communal) may inhibit escalation to violence against people. But inhibition isn't rehabilitation,' said Dr Lim. 'The underlying pathology may fester and be expressed in less visible but still damaging forms: emotional abuse, coercive control in relationships, or domestic violence.'
The internet normalising disturbing content may also feed such behaviour. Both Dr Lim and Dr Chow agreed that the shock value of such brutal killings attract attention and increasingly desensitise viewers to such violence over time.
This creates a 'distorted feedback loop', says Dr Chow: The more shocking the act, the more engagement it garners on social media through likes, shares, and comments, and as conversational topics.
For some perpetrators, this visibility can feel like validation or recognition, negatively reinforcing the continuation of such behaviour.
What should I do if I think someone I know is an animal abuser?
'Firstly, if there is an immediate danger to an animal, we should take steps to protect it,' said Dr Lim.
'We must never minimise it or rationalise animal abuse away. It is never 'just a phase', a joke or a way to vent anger. The potential of an underlying psychiatric disorder and escalation of interpersonal violence is real.'
Not all perpetrators will become violent offenders, he said. But when one sees a level of cruelty that involves planning, enjoyment, or symbolic intent, such as targeting specific animals or repeating the act, it is often a red flag of a much more disturbed inner world.
'These are not simply 'troubled youths' or 'people having a bad day',' said Dr Lim.
He added that parents who observe their children mistreating animals should be concerned, as it may be indicative of underlying emotional distress and may be a reflection of the child's difficult or even abusive environment.
'When such behaviour is noticed, it's vital to approach the individual with compassion, seeking to understand the motivation rather than reacting with anger,' he said, suggesting beneficial steps such as fostering open dialogue and taking the individual to counselling or therapy.
While animal cruelty must be taken seriously, responses should balance accountability with understanding, said Dr Chow, adding that in such cases, it is never just about the act itself, but about what lies underneath: a breakdown in empathy, in self-regulation, sometimes in human connection.
To effectively mitigate the issue of animal abuse, Dr Chow said that addressing root causes is essential in preventing recurrence and creating meaningful change in the lives of perpetrators, as well as society.
She also believes that the wider community's response to both incidents reflects something hopeful.
'These incidents show us where those breakdowns exist,' she said. 'But they also show us what we still hold on to. When people speak up, when communities organise, when strangers come together around a shared cause, that's not just a reaction. It's a reflection of who we are.'
Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Vogue Singapore
3 days ago
- Vogue Singapore
Male hair loss—what really causes it and can it be treated?
Trunk Archive | Bjarne Jonasson From the moment we're born, hair becomes intricately entwined with our identity. As the first feature we can shape and mould according to our whims, changes to its cut, colour and length often come to represent various passages of time and iterations of the self. Simply put, our manes grow with us as we grow up. But what about when we grow older? From greying to thinning, evolving hair conditions and what may feel like a diminishing of youth affect both men and women. But there's no denying that hair loss can resonate uniquely for men. In a beauty market emphasising the female audience, popular discourse tends to stop short of, say, lip colours and extensive facial regimens for men. The result? Ultimately, more attention is directed towards men's manes. More than just strands, hair can come to symbolise one's youth, virility and vitality, treasured and tended to over decades. After all, it's not for nothing that the moniker 'crowning glory' is earned. But when it starts to fall, the impacts can be felt deeply. Quiet beginnings Male hair loss typically starts subtly—the first signs of thinning at the temples or receding at the hairline. Hardly a sudden, dramatic change, androgenetic alopecia—or, less intimidatingly, male pattern baldness—affects a significant number of men as they age. Dr Sean Lim, a medical practitioner at IDS Clinic, explains: 'Most male pattern hair loss starts at the frontal hairline, slowly progressing to thinning and miniaturisation of the individual hairs at the vertex, or crown (essentially, the highest point), of your head.' But where do its causes lie? Lim points to the key role of—brace yourself—dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a derivative of testosterone. 'Genetic predisposition influences the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT,' Lim shares. 'The likelihood of male hair loss increases with age, also becoming more pronounced over time due to the cumulative effects of genetic predisposition and ongoing DHT influence.' Leonica Kei, a trichologist and founder of Leonica K Trichology, points to other aspects of one's lifestyle and diet that can play a contributing role. 'Chronic stress can trigger telogen effluvium, or sudden shedding,' she advises. 'Then, there's also nutritional deficiencies—especially low iron, zinc and vitamin D levels—and lifestyle factors such as a lack of sleep, smoking and harsh hair styling practices.' Inflammation or scalp disorders may also be culprits, as can certain medications and other health conditions. A path forward Not every individual experiencing male hair loss will feel the need to address it. An entirely natural process, it's a shift that can be embraced and taken in stride much like any other sign of maturation. However, for those feeling a hit on their confidence, measures can be taken. 'Hair loss often impacts self-image and self-esteem, especially in younger men or those in client-facing roles,' shares Kei. 'In our clinic, we notice that men who catch the issue early feel more hopeful and proactive, and their confidence typically gets a boost after visible improvement or even simply from having a personalised treatment plan.' To this end, both Lim and Kei advise consulting a reputable expert or clinic as a first call of action. Over-the-counter remedies and 'miracle' treatments may sound promising, but can ultimately lead to more frustration down the line. 'Accurately identifying the condition causing hair loss, and having personalised treatment recommendations, are important,' affirms Lim. Nowadays, an abundant bevy of treatments is available, from oral medications to laser therapy and topical serums. Hair growth stimulants and DHT blockers are often a first line of defence, respectively prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle and targeting the follicle-shrinking hormone. 'Other emerging therapeutic options include low-level laser therapy and microneedling—including radiofrequency microneedling—to improve scalp health and promote healthy hair growth,' Lim elaborates. Often, a combination of treatments will be prescribed. 'We combine treatments for optimal results, based on scalp condition and severity,' asserts Kei. These can extend to nourishing the roots with detoxifying, inflammation-reducing scalp treatments and home care products. Not just any will do, however. 'Our shampoos and scalp serums are trichologist- formulated with multiple forms of antioxidants to rebalance the scalp, reduce inflammation, block DHT and support growth,' shares Kei. 'Clinical studies have shown that applying antioxidants to the scalp can help reduce hair shedding.' Surgical methods of hair transplantation may also be discussed, as well as products to aid with cosmetic camouflage, from keratin fibres to semi-permanent hair extensions. Ultimately, though, it starts with expert care and targeted treatment. 'Male pattern hair loss can be partially reversed with the right care,' insists Kei, reiterating the importance of early intervention if losing hair is a concern. A crowning glory it may be, but for many who have spent the better part of their lives investing in their hair, an inevitable arc of lesser tresses can carry a certain freedom. And no matter the state of your strands, that is a confidence worth hanging on to. Pre-order your copy of the Vogue Man 'Gold' issue online or pick it up on newsstands from 13 June 2025.
Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Straits Times
Singapore GPs step up to support those with mental health problems
Over 520 GPs had joined the Mental Health General Practitioner Partnership as at December 2024. ILLUSTRATION: LIM KAILI, ADOBE STOCK No health without mental health Singapore GPs step up to support those with mental health problems SINGAPORE - From excelling in a management position in a multinational corporation to bringing up two teenagers, Ms Lee has done it all. But after clinching her hard-won successes, the high-flier found herself in a deep state of emotional and physical exhaustion amid a hectic work period in 2022. Sleep and rest did not help. 'Everything started to feel heavy and I lost interest in things I used to love. 'I was like a functional wreck, still showing up, smiling and delivering results. But inside, I just constantly felt very disconnected and my mind was very foggy,' said Ms Lee, who declined to use her full name, nor provide her age . Overwhelmed, she decided to turn to family physician Lim Hong Shen at Bridgepoint Health, who had treated her and her family for minor illnesses over the years. 'I've developed that trust with him, and he was the first person who came to mind when I decided to seek help,' said Ms Lee, adding that she had never thought of going to a psychologist or counsellor because she was unfamiliar with mental health issues. She was grateful that Adjunct Assistant Professor Lim took a slow and tactful approach in assessing her over a few consultations. 'He did not even mention a word about mental health, and I think that was helpful for me because the moment he did, I would have been taken aback,' said Ms Lee. It was only on her third visit that Prof Lim gently broached the topic and referred her to a private therapist to manage her anxiety symptoms. He continued to stay in touch with Ms Lee through her therapy, even helping her find another therapist when she felt she could not click with the first. In 2023, Ms Lee was discharged by Prof Lim after mastering coping strategies and feeling energised by a new zest for life. Her experience inspired her to set up a women's help group in her company. Her recovery would not have been possible without Prof Lim, she said. 'He didn't just send me to a therapist, he was there throughout the entire journey,' said Ms Lee. While the treatment of mental conditions has always been part of what general practitioners (GPs) can do, they are now being asked to play a greater role in the national effort to have patients diagnosed early and treated in the community, rather than mainly in hospitals and specialist centres. According to latest figures from the Ministry of Health (MOH), more than 520 GPs had joined the Mental Health General Practitioner Partnership (MHGPP) as at December 2024. The initiative supports doctors in identifying, diagnosing and managing patients with mild to moderate mental health conditions. GPs on the MHGPP programme, which began in 2012, benefit from access to lower-cost psychiatric medicine and support from hospital-based psychiatrist-led teams. About 450 joined in March 2024. Prof Lim, who has been on the programme since 2018, said the clinic's Everton Park branch sees about 30 patients a month who need help with mental health. Most are regular patients of the clinic while others were previously seen at hospitals or by private specialists. The patients come from different walks of life, from students facing school stress to young adults who have relationship or work struggles and elderly folks who face isolation. Prof Lim believes that mental health conditions should, by and large, be treated in the community as the first line of defence. This is especially if the GP has had a long relationship with the patient. 'That trust component is huge… and that gives us an advantage over the touch-and-go or one-time encounter that a specialist may have with a patient,' said Prof Lim, adding that patients in such circumstances are more forthcoming about their struggles and receptive to treatment options. The common conditions seen at the clinic include depression and anxiety, and most are mild cases. GPs may also choose to refer patients who need more community support to social service agencies, and those with more severe and urgent mental health needs to specialists. The latter could be a patient who is suicidal, or has multiple mental health issues, said Prof Lim. 'We are like the master navigator for our patients,' he added. Dr Daryl Yeo, a GP and deputy primary care network clinical lead at Parkway Shenton, said family doctors can offer more integrated and holistic care for their patients. Dr Yeo has been on the MHGPP programme since 2022 and sees about one to two new mental health patients a week. He pointed out that many mental health patients, such as new mothers, have other health concerns. They can develop post-partum depression if they struggle with experiences like breastfeeding. 'As family doctors, what we can do is offer care on issues with breastfeeding and post-partum care, and at the same time manage their mental health conditions, which may actually go hand in hand with their breastfeeding issues,' said Dr Yeo. GPs can also notice red flags earlier. 'Patients who come in every month saying that they have headaches could trigger us to consider if there's an underlying issue of burnout, anxiety or depression,' said Dr Yeo. While the MHGPP programme allows GPs to prescribe lower-cost psychiatric medication to patients, sometimes the prescription is non-medical. Dr Yeo cited the example of a man who started suffering panic attacks because his wife feared he would cheat on her after witnessing infidelity in her friend's marriage. In cases like this, the social issues also need to be addressed. 'As primary care doctors, we are relatively familiar with community services. If there are couple or family issues that need resolution, we would try to get them to visit a family service centre,' said Dr Yeo. An MOH spokesperson said the ministry will continue to work with the Agency for Integrated Care, polyclinics, GPs and community mental health partners to expand and enhance mental health services in the community. With the launch of Healthier SG, which pairs those above 40 with a family doctor, MOH is developing care protocols for major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder to be rolled out in 2026. These protocols will help more GPs integrate mental healthcare with chronic disease management. As more Healthier SG GPs become equipped to handle these conditions, MOH will be reviewing the MHGPP programme, with details to be shared in due course. Helplines Mental well-being Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24-hour CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Clarity Singapore: 67577990 Online resources (for those aged 13 to 25) (for those aged 12 to 25) Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Straits Times
Why we should be concerned when animals are abused
A community cat feeder at a makeshift memorial for King Kong the cat, who was brutally killed earlier in May. PHOTOS: JANET CHIN Why we should be concerned when animals are abused SINGAPORE - In the wake of the brutal killings of two community cats in May, some members of the public are echoing a question posed by Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam after the first incident: What kind of person would do this? In a January report, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said there were 961 confirmed reports of animal abuse involving some 2,190 animals in 2024. The figure is a 12-year high and means an average of six animals were subjected to suffering or death each day in Singapore last year. SPCA's first full report on the state of animal cruelty and welfare in Singapore also revealed that more than half of these cases involved cats, with 1,330 cases, or 60.7 per cent. The numbers have some mental health experts concerned. Dr Annabelle Chow, principal clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology , said: 'At a moral level, these acts are appalling and reflective of a disregard for the suffering of sentient beings. They suggest that animals are perceived to be less worthy of compassion or protection. Helplines Mental well-being Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources (for those aged 13 to 25) (for those aged 12 to 25) 'Beyond morality, there are serious psychological and societal implications.' Dr Lim Boon Leng, a private psychiatrist from Dr BL Lim Centre for Psychological Wellness said that such cases of animal abuse and cruelty are a 'worrying red flag'. 'We should be very concerned, especially when the acts go beyond mere neglect or impulsive aggression and take on a calculated, brutal nature,' said Dr Lim. 'The sheer level of cruelty inflicted - mutilation, repeated injuries, or killing with intent - often correlates with deeper psychological disturbance. 'Such behaviour isn't just anti-social; it may reflect entrenched callousness, sadism, or a lack of empathy so profound that it borders on psychopathy.' Animal cruelty at a young age is a warning sign for future interpersonal violence, both Dr Chow and Dr Lim said, citing the Violence Graduation Hypothesis , which assumes a direct causal link between animal cruelty and interpersonal aggression. Youth who abuse animals are also at an increased risk of harming peers, family members, and others later in life, Dr Chow said. For them, such behaviours may be driven by curiosity, a desire to gain peer approval, or even a desire to attract attention. If left unaddressed, these behaviours may escalate and contribute to wider societal harm. In clinical terms, the severity of violence is often a more telling indicator of risk than frequency alone, Dr Lim added - someone who goes out of their way to inflict prolonged suffering on an animal is far more likely to escalate, or already be engaging in, other harmful behaviours such as emotional abuse, coercive control, or violence toward vulnerable individuals. 'In Singapore's context, societal constraints (legal, cultural, and communal) may inhibit escalation to violence against people. But inhibition isn't rehabilitation,' said Dr Lim. 'The underlying pathology may fester and be expressed in less visible but still damaging forms: emotional abuse, coercive control in relationships, or domestic violence.' The internet normalising disturbing content may also feed such behaviour. Both Dr Lim and Dr Chow agreed that the shock value of such brutal killings attract attention and increasingly desensitise viewers to such violence over time. This creates a 'distorted feedback loop', says Dr Chow: The more shocking the act, the more engagement it garners on social media through likes, shares, and comments, and as conversational topics. For some perpetrators, this visibility can feel like validation or recognition, negatively reinforcing the continuation of such behaviour. What should I do if I think someone I know is an animal abuser? 'Firstly, if there is an immediate danger to an animal, we should take steps to protect it,' said Dr Lim. 'We must never minimise it or rationalise animal abuse away. It is never 'just a phase', a joke or a way to vent anger. The potential of an underlying psychiatric disorder and escalation of interpersonal violence is real.' Not all perpetrators will become violent offenders, he said. But when one sees a level of cruelty that involves planning, enjoyment, or symbolic intent, such as targeting specific animals or repeating the act, it is often a red flag of a much more disturbed inner world. 'These are not simply 'troubled youths' or 'people having a bad day',' said Dr Lim. He added that parents who observe their children mistreating animals should be concerned, as it may be indicative of underlying emotional distress and may be a reflection of the child's difficult or even abusive environment. 'When such behaviour is noticed, it's vital to approach the individual with compassion, seeking to understand the motivation rather than reacting with anger,' he said, suggesting beneficial steps such as fostering open dialogue and taking the individual to counselling or therapy. While animal cruelty must be taken seriously, responses should balance accountability with understanding, said Dr Chow, adding that in such cases, it is never just about the act itself, but about what lies underneath: a breakdown in empathy, in self-regulation, sometimes in human connection. To effectively mitigate the issue of animal abuse, Dr Chow said that addressing root causes is essential in preventing recurrence and creating meaningful change in the lives of perpetrators, as well as society. She also believes that the wider community's response to both incidents reflects something hopeful. 'These incidents show us where those breakdowns exist,' she said. 'But they also show us what we still hold on to. When people speak up, when communities organise, when strangers come together around a shared cause, that's not just a reaction. It's a reflection of who we are.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
