Latest news with #TechParkCrescent
Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Straits Times
NParks probing case of kitten reportedly stuffed in container in Tuas
An informant, a colleague of the suspected abuser, told the SPCA that the kitten had been placed inside a plastic container and rolled around repeatedly. PHOTO: SPCA SINGAPORE SINGAPORE – A suspected case of animal abuse, where a kitten was allegedly placed in a plastic container and rolled around, is being looked into by the National Parks Board (NParks). 'NParks was alerted to an alleged mistreatment of a kitten at Tech Park Crescent and is looking into the matter,' Ms Jessica Kwok, group director of enforcement and investigation, said in a statement on June 26. The incident took place in a workers' canteen at Tech Park Crescent in Tuas on the night of March 26, between 9.45pm and 10.30pm, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said in a June 23 Facebook post on the incident. An informant, a colleague of the suspected abuser, told the SPCA that the kitten had been placed inside a plastic container and rolled around repeatedly. SPCA's inspectors conducted an unannounced inspection on April 1, during which they were told that the cat had since been released as it was a community animal, the organisation added in the Facebook post. SPCA was also told that the worker involved was given a stern warning. However, an on-site manager declined to show any CCTV footage or facilitate further investigation, said SPCA, prompting it to refer the matter to the Animal and Veterinary Service – a cluster within NParks – for a follow-up. According to SPCA's statistics, 220 of 453 reported animal abuse cases in 2024 involved cats, making them the most frequently abused animal species in Singapore. The types of abuse include physical harm, inhumane trapping, hit-and-run incidents, intentional injury or killing, the use of aversive training methods, and abandonment. Under Singapore's Animals and Birds Act, first-time offenders found guilty of animal cruelty can be jailed for up to 18 months, fined up to $15,000, or both. Repeat offenders may be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $30,000, or both. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Kitten allegedly stuffed in container and rolled around Singapore canteen, SPCA steps in
SINGAPORE, June 25 — A case of animal abuse in Singapore has been referred to the authorities after the suspected perpetrator's manager allegedly refused to cooperate with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (SPCA) investigations. SPCA Singapore said it had received a report about a kitten that had allegedly been shoved into a plastic container and rolled around repeatedly, according a Facebook post on Monday. The informant, a colleague of the suspected perpetrator, told SPCA Singapore the incident allegedly occurred at a workers' canteen at Tech Park Crescent in Tuas on March 26 between 9.45pm and 10.30pm. According to the informant, the site supervisor was reportedly aware of the abuse. Speaking to AsiaOne, Aarthi Sankar, executive director of SPCA Singapore, said that SPCA Singapore conducted an unannounced inspection on April 1 after receiving the report on March 29. During the inspection, they were informed that the cat had been released. SPCA Singapore inspectors issued a stern warning to the worker involved, but were unable to conduct further investigations as the manager allegedly refused to cooperate and provide CCTV footage. The society subsequently escalated the issue to Singapore's Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) for a follow-up. SPCA Singapore also urged the public to report any cases of animal abuse and to provide potential evidence such as photos and videos to the authorities. Under Singapore's Animals and Birds Act, first-time offenders convicted of animal cruelty can be jailed for up to 18 months, fined up to S$15,000 (RM50,000), or both. Subsequent offenders may face a fine of up to S$30,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.
Independent Singapore
11 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
Kitten stuffed into a container at tech park spurs outcry amid calls for harsher animal cruelty laws
Photo: SPCA's Facebook Featured News Hot Button Issues Singapore News SINGAPORE: A disturbing case of alleged kitten abuse at a workers' canteen in Tech Park Crescent has triggered renewed public outrage and intensified calls for stronger animal cruelty legislation in Singapore. On March 29, 2025, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) received a tip-off from a whistleblower. A colleague of the suspected abuser alleged that a kitten had been confined in a plastic container and rolled around repeatedly between 9.45 pm and 10.30 pm on March 26. According to the SPCA Facebook post on June 23, the incident may have been captured by CCTV cameras, and the site supervisor was reportedly aware of what transpired. An unannounced inspection was carried out by SPCA officers on April 1, but by then, the kitten had been released and described as a 'community cat.' A stern warning was issued to the worker involved, yet the site manager refused to provide CCTV footage or assist further, prompting the SPCA to escalate the case to the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) for investigation. Rising animal rights campaign This case comes on the back of a rising trend in reported animal cruelty cases in Singapore, with calls from activists and the public growing louder for serious legal enforcement. One of the leading voices in this campaign is animal welfare advocate Sherene Alkaff, whose petition titled 'Cats Can't Scream, But We Can' has garnered over 16,000 signatures. It features a request to the Ministry of National Development, NParks, and other relevant agencies to: Allow cumulative evidence like vet reports and witness accounts in abuse prosecutions. Install mobile CCTVs and increase patrols in high-risk areas. Strengthen sentencing — including mandatory jail time and judicial caning for repeat or sadistic offenders. Recognise animal abuse as a national crisis. A warning and a worry Many animal lovers are questioning the adequacy of the response so far. Comments on the SPCA's social media reflect widespread concern: 'A stern warning does not suffice since the potential abuser is presumably an adult… The management could just erase the footage next time this happens.' 'Even if the animal was released, the act did take place — the person who caused the suffering must be punished!' The SPCA reiterated the importance of community vigilance. 'This case, like so many others, would have gone undetected if not for someone who chose to speak up. If you witness abuse or neglect, even if you're unsure, report it. Your voice might be the only one an animal has.' What you can do If you suspect or witness cruelty, SPCA advises: Take photos or videos if it's safe to do so. Note the time, location, and identities involved. Report immediately to SPCA or AVS. What's next? Singapore's animal cruelty laws have evolved over the years, but cases like this underscore potential gaps in enforcement and accountability, especially in situations where evidence is withheld or not pursued with urgency. As Singapore continues to promote itself as a progressive, compassionate society, many netizens are asking whether our animal welfare laws are keeping pace with that vision. See also Penang-Songkhla link talks at G-to-G level: End of Kra Canal The answer may depend on what happens next.
New Paper
a day ago
- New Paper
NParks probing case of kitten allegedly stuffed in container, rolled around
A suspected case of animal abuse, where a kitten was allegedly placed in a plastic container and rolled around, is being looked into by the National Parks Board (NParks). "NParks was alerted to an alleged mistreatment of a kitten at Tech Park Crescent and is looking into the matter," Ms Jessica Kwok, group director of enforcement and investigation, said in a statement on June 26. The incident took place in a workers' canteen at Tech Park Crescent in Tuas on the night of March 26, between 9.45pm and 10.30pm, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said in a June 23 Facebook post on the incident. An informant, a colleague of the suspected abuser, told the SPCA that the kitten had been placed inside a plastic container and rolled around repeatedly. SPCA's inspectors conducted an unannounced inspection on April 1, during which they were told that the cat had since been released as it was a community animal, the organisation added in the Facebook post. SPCA was also told that the worker involved was given a stern warning. However, an on-site manager declined to show any CCTV footage or facilitate further investigation, said SPCA, prompting it to refer the matter to the Animal and Veterinary Service - a cluster within NParks - for a follow-up. According to SPCA's statistics, 220 of 453 reported animal abuse cases in 2024 involved cats, making them the most frequently abused animal species in Singapore. The types of abuse include physical harm, inhumane trapping, hit-and-run incidents, intentional injury or killing, the use of aversive training methods, and abandonment. Under Singapore's Animals and Birds Act, first-time offenders found guilty of animal cruelty can be jailed for up to 18 months, fined up to $15,000, or both. Repeat offenders may be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $30,000, or both.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Singapore National Parks probing case of kitten reportedly stuffed in container in Tuas
An informant, a colleague of the suspected abuser, told the SPCA that the kitten had been placed inside a plastic container and rolled around repeatedly. - SPCA SINGAPORE SINGAPORE: A suspected case of animal abuse, where a kitten was allegedly placed in a plastic container and rolled around, is being looked into by the National Parks Board (NParks). 'NParks was alerted to an alleged mistreatment of a kitten at Tech Park Crescent and is looking into the matter,' Jessica Kwok, group director of enforcement and investigation, said in a statement on Thursday (June 26). The incident took place in a workers' canteen at Tech Park Crescent in Tuas on the night of March 26, between 9.45pm and 10.30pm, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said in a June 23 Facebook post on the incident. An informant, a colleague of the suspected abuser, told the SPCA that the kitten had been placed inside a plastic container and rolled around repeatedly. SPCA's inspectors conducted an unannounced inspection on April 1, during which they were told that the cat had since been released as it was a community animal, the organisation added in the Facebook post. SPCA was also told that the worker involved was given a stern warning. However, an on-site manager declined to show any CCTV footage or facilitate further investigation, said SPCA, prompting it to refer the matter to the Animal and Veterinary Service – a cluster within NParks – for a follow-up. According to SPCA's statistics, 220 of 453 reported animal abuse cases in 2024 involved cats, making them the most frequently abused animal species in Singapore. The types of abuse include physical harm, inhumane trapping, hit-and-run incidents, intentional injury or killing, the use of aversive training methods, and abandonment. Under Singapore's Animals and Birds Act, first-time offenders found guilty of animal cruelty can be jailed for up to 18 months, fined up to $15,000, or both. Repeat offenders may be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $30,000, or both. - The Straits Times/ANN
