Latest news with #SocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoAnimals
Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Oh, Gordy: 2,000kg elephant seal takes a wrong turn, ends up in South African suburb
A 2,000kg elephant seal that ended up in a Cape Town suburb resting his head on the hood of a police car. PHOTO: CAPE OF GOOD HOPE SPCA Signed, sealed and delivered. After nine hours of drama and cuteness overload, an elephant seal the size of a small car was herded back to the sea after lumbering across a coastal town in South Africa. The young bull was reported to have lost its way and ended up along a street in Gordon's Bay near Cape Town, startling residents there who then began owning him and calling him 'Gordy'. 'This is unreal. Hi, bro, how did you get here?' one woman asked. The seal was first spotted early in the morning on May 27, already 1km inland. The local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said it was likely he swam over 1,500km to end up in Gordon's Bay. Police and a local security company tried to corral the seal by parking patrol cars around him. The 2,000kg creature rested his huge head on the hood of one car and half-climbed over another before slipping free, crossing a road and carrying on up a sidewalk. He stopped next to a shopping mall. He was also sighted on a small lawn outside a house. Animal welfare officials had worried he was too far from the ocean to find his way back and might become exhausted and dehydrated. 'Wild animals don't always follow the script, and this seal's unexpected journey into a residential area created real cause for concern,' Ms Belinda Abraham, an SPCA spokesman, said in a statement. 'With so many moving parts – traffic, onlookers and a massive marine mammal in distress – it took rapid coordination and clear focus to keep everyone safe,' she said. Police and animal welfare and marine wildlife specialists worked for nine hours to get a 2,000kg elephant seal back to the sea. PHOTO: CAPE OF GOOD HOPE SPCA A team of marine wildlife specialists and a city veterinarian sedated the seal and guided him into an animal transport trailer. By late afternoon, the vet gave the all-clear, and the seal was transported to Kogel Bay, where his recovery from sedation was closely monitored. As soon as he was fully awake, Gordy hopped his way back towards the sea. 'Sea you later,' the Cape of Good Hope SPCA said in a send-off video. The SPCA later reported that Gordy was again spotted on land, near a naval base in Simon's Town, and that he was in a 'safe and secure location with no immediate threats to his well-being'. 'It truly takes a village,' said Ms Abraham. 'We're incredibly grateful to everyone who stepped up today, for their professionalism, their compassion and their quick response to an animal in distress.' Southern elephant seals are the world's largest seal species and are commonly found in sub-Antarctic regions, not South Africa. But every once in a while, lone elephant seals – usually young males – find their way to South Africa's coast. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Singapore Law Watch
19-05-2025
- Singapore Law Watch
Should there be harsher penalties for animal abusers? Lawyers weigh in
Should there be harsher penalties for animal abusers? Lawyers weigh in Source: Straits Times Article Date: 18 May 2025 Author: Claudia Tan Given the spike in animal abuse cases, is it time to re-examine the law and implement harsher penalties? In the space of less than a week, two community cats have died. One was found on the road near an estate in Yishun on May 9, disembowelled and with its eyes gouged out. Another was discovered to be severely injured in a carpark in Punggol on May 12. Cat rescuers took the feline to a vet, but it eventually died from its injuries. The National Parks Board said on May 17 that the cat had likely sustained its injuries due to a vehicular accident. Nonetheless, the two incidents sparked outrage among members of the public, with some going to the extent of hiring a private investigator to catch the perpetrator. In 2024, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) received 961 reports of animal cruelty and welfare concerns involving 2,190 animals – numbers which hit a 12-year-high. More than half of these were cats, with 1,330 cases. Given the spike in animal abuse cases, is it time to re-examine the law and implement harsher penalties? Limitations of the law Under the Animals and Birds Act, first-time offenders convicted of animal cruelty can be jailed for up to 18 months, fined up to $15,000, or both. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $30,000, or both. Despite the large number of reported cases, very few are taken to the courts, said criminal lawyer Josephus Tan, who represented a man who threw a cat over the 13th-floor parapet of his block in Yishun Ring Road in 2016. On Feb 7, Barrie Lin Pengli was sentenced to 14 months' jail for abusing five cats and killing two of them over a period of one year and eight months. The prosecution, which originally sought a jail term of 24 months, appealed against the sentence on Feb 11. 'There is still a disproportionate number of cats killed compared with perpetrators who are arrested and charged. Optically, it looks very bad because it seems to suggest that (society) does not value the lives of animals,' said Mr Tan. Head lawyer Gloria James of law firm Gloria James-Civetta & Co told The Straits Times there are several limitations to the current laws when it comes to prosecuting and sentencing offenders. 'A significant challenge is that animals are voiceless and cannot plead their case, which makes it difficult to gauge the extent of their suffering. This can impact the ability to impose a punishment that truly reflects the harm caused.' Associate Professor Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim, who heads the public safety and security programme at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, said cases of animal abuse often lack direct evidence or credible witnesses. 'CCTV footage is rare, and animal carcasses may be disposed of before analysis can occur,' she said. 'The time lapses between the act of abuse and its reporting can also diminish the strength of cases and make it difficult to arrest and charge suspects.' Harsher penalties as a strong deterrent In its 2024 report, the SPCA called for stronger animal protection laws and enforcement, which included stricter penalties as a deterrent. Mr Tan said that amending the law to introduce tougher penalties is the right way forward. 'The law is dynamic, and it must reflect the cultures and trends of society. If there is a surge in the number of animal abuse cases, then it is something Parliament should look into.' He suggested that the jail term for first-time offenders be increased to three to five years, and even caning offenders to send a 'strong message' of deterrence. He likened it to the Ministry of Home Affairs considering caning for some scam offences, given the record amount of scam losses in recent years. Ms James hopes to see enhanced sentencing for offences committed in aggravating circumstances, as she thinks the current laws are insufficient. 'For example, harsher penalties could be mandated where the act of cruelty is prolonged, involves multiple animals, is committed in the presence of children, or is filmed or shared online. 'These aggravating factors are not currently specified in the Animals and Birds Act. Codifying them would provide greater consistency in sentencing and signal a stronger moral condemnation of particularly egregious conduct,' she said. Alternatives to punishment Veteran criminal lawyer Ramesh Tiwary, on the other hand, feels the current laws are adequate. He said simply meting out harsher punishments is a 'one-dimensional' approach. 'There are many other factors that come into play when somebody commits a crime – he might be frustrated, angry or not thinking straight.' Rather, more emphasis should be placed on tackling the root of the problem. 'I think enhancing or increasing sentences is not going to prevent the offence. It is more necessary to find out why people are doing these things. If we can find out why people are being cruel to animals, then perhaps we can work at removing the reasons and solving the problem.' Mr Tiwary believes in educating offenders, which can be done by taking them to a shelter to take care of animals, for example. 'This way, you teach the (offender) that animals deserve love and affection, rather than just sending them to prison.' Beyond fines and jail terms, Prof Razwana suggested a longer disqualification period from animal ownership, up from the current 12 months. Ms James echoed similar sentiments: '(12 months is) manifestly inadequate in cases involving severe or repeated cruelty. The revised Act should empower courts to impose longer-term or even permanent disqualification orders in appropriate cases. 'This would better reflect the gravity of the harm caused and provide greater protection for animals in the long term.' Ms James recommended post-sentence behavioural reviews for convicted offenders, which assess whether offenders have internalised the consequences of their actions, and if they remain a risk to animals. Prof Razwana said public education efforts should also be ramped up to inform the public about their duty of care towards pets and animals. She added: 'Tackling animal cruelty requires a multi-faceted approach: stricter laws, better enforcement, deeper psychological intervention and systemic education.' Acknowledging that the Government's move to review the Animals and Birds Act is a 'step in the right direction', Prof Razwana said its success will depend on how well it integrates legal reforms with public education and offender rehabilitation. 'It is also critical to work with affected stakeholders, the communities and individuals in addressing the root cause and the aftermath of such cruel incidences,' she said. Claudia Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times covering the crime and court beat. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
Rakyat Post
19-05-2025
- Rakyat Post
SPCA: Trespassing And Abandoning Animals After Hours Is Not Rescue
Subscribe to our FREE A late-night act of 'rescue' has sparked outrage online after a couple was caught on camera climbing into the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor compound to leave behind an animal they allegedly saved. The incident occurred at around 9pm on 17 May, 2025, long after the shelter had closed for the day. In a video posted by the animal shelter on Instagram yesterday, the pair can be seen rattling the locked front gate, seemingly trying to open it. When that didn't work, the woman proceeded to climb over the gate and allegedly left the animal on the premises. SPCA has since released a statement condemning the couple's actions, making it clear that what they did was not considered a rescue. 'Trespassing and abandoning animals within our premises is not only dangerous for the animals but is also illegal under the Animal Welfare Act. 'It also places additional strain on shelters that are already operating at full capacity,' the organisation said. The video quickly gained traction online, drawing criticism from netizens who pointed out the recklessness of abandoning an animal at night without staff to receive it, not to mention breaking into private property. 'Why not come during the day when they're open?' one user wrote. 'This isn't saving a life; it's just dumping the problem onto someone else.' Another user commented, 'Imagine if the animal got loose or injured while left unattended. That's not compassion – that's negligence.' Some, while acknowledging the couple may have had good intentions, stressed that there are proper channels to surrender an animal and that taking matters into one's own hands in such a manner does more harm than good. Man 'rescues' two dogs by dumping them in SPCA As recent as 'The owner opened the gate, let them in – and left. In the second video, the dogs are seen going back to the gate, waiting… hoping their person would return. They didn't,' they said in the caption. SPCA reminded that they are doing their best to manage rescued animals, but dumping them in their premises is not the right way to go about it. Aside from affecting the organisation's management negatively, it also impacts the animals emotionally as they are left in an unfamiliar place without their owners, SPCA said. What does SPCA Selangor do? SPCA Ampang is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the welfare of animals. Their services include rescuing abandoned and abused animals, providing medical care, rehabilitation, and facilitating adoptions. They also run educational programs and actively advocate for stronger animal welfare laws. The shelter's operating hours are from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays, and they encourage anyone wishing to surrender or report an animal to contact them during these hours or via their official helplines. In light of the incidents, SPCA is urging the public to be responsible and mindful when trying to help animals in need. 'There are proper, legal, and safe ways to assist animals. Breaking into a shelter is not one of them,' the organisation stated. As of now, it's unclear if any legal action will be taken against the couple. For more information or to contact SPCA Ampang, visit their official Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
AsiaOne
18-05-2025
- AsiaOne
Should there be harsher penalties for animal abusers? Lawyers weigh in, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - In the space of less than a week, two community cats have died. One was found on the road near an estate in Yishun on May 9, disembowelled and with its eyes gouged out. Another was discovered to be severely injured in a carpark in Punggol on May 12. Cat rescuers took the feline to a vet, but it eventually died from its injuries. The National Parks Board said on May 17 that the cat had likely sustained its injuries due to a vehicular accident. Nonetheless, the two incidents sparked outrage among members of the public, with some going to the extent of hiring a private investigator to catch the perpetrator. In 2024, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) received 961 reports of animal cruelty and welfare concerns involving 2,190 animals – numbers which hit a 12-year-high. More than half of these were cats, with 1,330 cases. Given the spike in animal abuse cases, is it time to re-examine the law and implement harsher penalties? Limitations of the law Under the Animals and Birds Act, first-time offenders convicted of animal cruelty can be jailed for up to 18 months, fined up to $15,000, or both. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $30,000, or both. Despite the large number of reported cases, very few are taken to the courts, said criminal lawyer Josephus Tan, who represented a man who threw a cat over the 13th-floor parapet of his block in Yishun Ring Road in 2016. On Feb 7, Barrie Lin Pengli was sentenced to 14 months' jail for abusing five cats and killing two of them over a period of one year and eight months. The prosecution, which originally sought a jail term of 24 months, appealed against the sentence on Feb 11. 'There is still a disproportionate number of cats killed compared with perpetrators who are arrested and charged. Optically, it looks very bad because it seems to suggest that (society) does not value the lives of animals,' said Mr Tan. Head lawyer Gloria James of law firm Gloria James-Civetta & Co told The Straits Times there are several limitations to the current laws when it comes to prosecuting and sentencing offenders. 'A significant challenge is that animals are voiceless and cannot plead their case, which makes it difficult to gauge the extent of their suffering. This can impact the ability to impose a punishment that truly reflects the harm caused.' Associate Professor Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim, who heads the public safety and security programme at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, said cases of animal abuse often lack direct evidence or credible witnesses. 'CCTV footage is rare, and animal carcasses may be disposed of before analysis can occur,' she said. 'The time lapses between the act of abuse and its reporting can also diminish the strength of cases and make it difficult to arrest and charge suspects.' Harsher penalties as a strong deterrent In its 2024 report, the SPCA called for stronger animal protection laws and enforcement, which included stricter penalties as a deterrent. Mr Tan said that amending the law to introduce tougher penalties is the right way forward. 'The law is dynamic, and it must reflect the cultures and trends of society. If there is a surge in the number of animal abuse cases, then it is something Parliament should look into.' He suggested that the jail term for first-time offenders be increased to three to five years, and even caning offenders to send a 'strong message' of deterrence. He likened it to the Ministry of Home Affairs considering caning for some scam offences, given the record amount of scam losses in recent years. Ms James hopes to see enhanced sentencing for offences committed in aggravating circumstances, as she thinks the current laws are insufficient. 'For example, harsher penalties could be mandated where the act of cruelty is prolonged, involves multiple animals, is committed in the presence of children, or is filmed or shared online. 'These aggravating factors are not currently specified in the Animals and Birds Act. Codifying them would provide greater consistency in sentencing and signal a stronger moral condemnation of particularly egregious conduct,' she said. Alternatives to punishment Veteran criminal lawyer Ramesh Tiwary, on the other hand, feels the current laws are adequate. He said simply meting out harsher punishments is a 'one-dimensional' approach. 'There are many other factors that come into play when somebody commits a crime – he might be frustrated, angry or not thinking straight.' Rather, more emphasis should be placed on tackling the root of the problem. 'I think enhancing or increasing sentences is not going to prevent the offence. It is more necessary to find out why people are doing these things. If we can find out why people are being cruel to animals, then perhaps we can work at removing the reasons and solving the problem.' Mr Tiwary believes in educating offenders, which can be done by taking them to a shelter to take care of animals, for example. 'This way, you teach the (offender) that animals deserve love and affection, rather than just sending them to prison.' Beyond fines and jail terms, Prof Razwana suggested a longer disqualification period from animal ownership, up from the current 12 months. Ms James echoed similar sentiments: '(12 months is) manifestly inadequate in cases involving severe or repeated cruelty. The revised Act should empower courts to impose longer-term or even permanent disqualification orders in appropriate cases. 'This would better reflect the gravity of the harm caused and provide greater protection for animals in the long term.' Ms James recommended post-sentence behavioural reviews for convicted offenders, which assess whether offenders have internalised the consequences of their actions, and if they remain a risk to animals. Prof Razwana said public education efforts should also be ramped up to inform the public about their duty of care towards pets and animals. She added: 'Tackling animal cruelty requires a multi-faceted approach: stricter laws, better enforcement, deeper psychological intervention and systemic education.' Acknowledging that the Government's move to review the Animals and Birds Act is a 'step in the right direction', Prof Razwana said its success will depend on how well it integrates legal reforms with public education and offender rehabilitation. 'It is also critical to work with affected stakeholders, the communities and individuals in addressing the root cause and the aftermath of such cruel incidences,' she said. Correction note: In an earlier version of this article, we referred to the Punggol cat death as a case of abuse. NParks said on the evening of May 17 that based on its investigation findings, it is likely that the cat had sustained its injuries due to a vehicular accident. [[nid:718079]] This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
New Paper
17-05-2025
- New Paper
Should there be harsher penalties for animal abusers?
In the space of less than a week, two community cats have died. One was found on the road near an estate in Yishun on May 9, disembowelled and with its eyes gouged out. Another was discovered to be severely injured in a carpark in Punggol on May 12. Cat rescuers took the feline to a vet, but it eventually died from its injuries. The National Parks Board said on May 17 that the cat had likely sustained its injuries due to a vehicular accident. Nonetheless, the two incidents sparked outrage among members of the public, with some going to the extent of hiring a private investigator to catch the perpetrator. In 2024, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) received 961 reports of animal cruelty and welfare concerns involving 2,190 animals - numbers which hit a 12-year-high. More than half of these were cats, with 1,330 cases. Given the spike in animal abuse cases, is it time to re-examine the law and implement harsher penalties? Limitations of the law Under the Animals and Birds Act, first-time offenders convicted of animal cruelty can be jailed for up to 18 months, fined up to $15,000, or both. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $30,000, or both. Despite the large number of reported cases, very few are taken to the courts, said criminal lawyer Josephus Tan, who represented a man who threw a cat over the 13th-floor parapet of his block in Yishun Ring Road in 2016. On Feb 7, Barrie Lin Pengli was sentenced to 14 months' jail for abusing five cats and killing two of them over a period of one year and eight months. The prosecution, which originally sought a jail term of 24 months, appealed against the sentence on Feb 11. "There is still a disproportionate number of cats killed compared with perpetrators who are arrested and charged. Optically, it looks very bad because it seems to suggest that (society) does not value the lives of animals," said Mr Tan. Head lawyer Gloria James of law firm Gloria James-Civetta & Co told The Straits Times there are several limitations to the current laws when it comes to prosecuting and sentencing offenders. "A significant challenge is that animals are voiceless and cannot plead their case, which makes it difficult to gauge the extent of their suffering. This can impact the ability to impose a punishment that truly reflects the harm caused." Associate Professor Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim, who heads the public safety and security programme at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, said cases of animal abuse often lack direct evidence or credible witnesses. "CCTV footage is rare, and animal carcasses may be disposed of before analysis can occur," she said. "The time lapses between the act of abuse and its reporting can also diminish the strength of cases and make it difficult to arrest and charge suspects." Harsher penalties as a strong deterrent In its 2024 report, the SPCA called for stronger animal protection laws and enforcement, which included stricter penalties as a deterrent. Mr Tan said that amending the law to introduce tougher penalties is the right way forward. "The law is dynamic, and it must reflect the cultures and trends of society. If there is a surge in the number of animal abuse cases, then it is something Parliament should look into." He suggested that the jail term for first-time offenders be increased to three to five years, and even caning offenders to send a "strong message" of deterrence. He likened it to the Ministry of Home Affairs considering caning for some scam offences, given the record amount of scam losses in recent years. Ms James hopes to see enhanced sentencing for offences committed in aggravating circumstances, as she thinks the current laws are insufficient. "For example, harsher penalties could be mandated where the act of cruelty is prolonged, involves multiple animals, is committed in the presence of children, or is filmed or shared online. "These aggravating factors are not currently specified in the Animals and Birds Act. Codifying them would provide greater consistency in sentencing and signal a stronger moral condemnation of particularly egregious conduct," she said. Alternatives to punishment Veteran criminal lawyer Ramesh Tiwary, on the other hand, feels the current laws are adequate. He said simply meting out harsher punishments is a "one-dimensional" approach. "There are many other factors that come into play when somebody commits a crime - he might be frustrated, angry or not thinking straight." Rather, more emphasis should be placed on tackling the root of the problem. "I think enhancing or increasing sentences is not going to prevent the offence. It is more necessary to find out why people are doing these things. If we can find out why people are being cruel to animals, then perhaps we can work at removing the reasons and solving the problem." Mr Tiwary believes in educating offenders, which can be done by taking them to a shelter to take care of animals, for example. "This way, you teach the (offender) that animals deserve love and affection, rather than just sending them to prison." Beyond fines and jail terms, Prof Razwana suggested a longer disqualification period from animal ownership, up from the current 12 months. Ms James echoed similar sentiments: "(12 months is) manifestly inadequate in cases involving severe or repeated cruelty. The revised Act should empower courts to impose longer-term or even permanent disqualification orders in appropriate cases. "This would better reflect the gravity of the harm caused and provide greater protection for animals in the long term." Ms James recommended post-sentence behavioural reviews for convicted offenders, which assess whether offenders have internalised the consequences of their actions, and if they remain a risk to animals. Prof Razwana said public education efforts should also be ramped up to inform the public about their duty of care towards pets and animals. She added: "Tackling animal cruelty requires a multi-faceted approach: stricter laws, better enforcement, deeper psychological intervention and systemic education." Acknowledging that the Government's move to review the Animals and Birds Act is a "step in the right direction", Prof Razwana said its success will depend on how well it integrates legal reforms with public education and offender rehabilitation. "It is also critical to work with affected stakeholders, the communities and individuals in addressing the root cause and the aftermath of such cruel incidences," she said. Correction note: In an earlier version of this article, we referred to the Punggol cat death as a case of abuse. NParks said on the evening of May 17 that based on its investigation findings, it is likely that the cat had sustained its injuries due to a vehicular accident.
