Latest news with #communitycats
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Yahoo
Jacky Cheung adds 3 more encore concerts in Singapore; Shanmugam says Singapore will not tolerate those who see animal cruelty as a game: Singapore live news
Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam, in an interview with CNA, has reiterated Singapore's strong position against those who deliberately harm animals. His comments come following a spate of community cat deaths earlier this year which alarmed the public. The People's Action Party (PAP) announced on 10 July new leaders for all 12 of its government parliamentary committees (GPCs). The fresh slate of MPs will head the PAP's backbench committees that scrutinise government policy. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Jacky Cheung has added three more shows to the Singapore leg of his 60+ Concert Tour set for the Singapore Indoor Stadium in November this year. The Hong Kong Heavenly King will stage shows on 28, 29 and 30 November in addition to the previously announced shows on 21, 22 and 23 November which have already sold out. Tickets for the additional three shows – priced between $168 and $388 – will be available for general sale on 23 July at 10am. Priority sales will be made available earlier. More details in ticketing can be found at Ticketmaster. In February, the legendary performer set an incredible record of 1000 concerts in total following the completion of a performance in Haikou. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam said there is "no question" about Singapore's position against those who deliberately harm animals. Shanmugam, in an interview with CNA on 8 July, punctuated the government's zero-tolerance approach to acts of animal cruelty while also speaking of the need to educate the public on responsible pet ownership. The Minister for Home Affairs was reflecting on a number of recent community cat deaths earlier this year which sparked concern amongst the public. "What you want is to go after the people with malice – who go out to be cruel to animals, who think that it's a sport, who think that it's a game," said Shanmugam. He also pointed out the need for targeted enforcement to ensure that pet owners who are "well-meaning" but make mistakes without cruel intent, are not dealt with in the same way. This week, a man who was convicted of killing cats by throwing them from HDB blocks had his jail term doubled after the prosecution appealed. You can read more of CNA's interview with Shanmugam, here. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said its enforcement officers detected 232 active mobility offences and impounded 151 non-compliant devices over the last two months. Enforcement operations were carried out across Singapore and offences ranged from using power-assisted bicycles (PABs) with improper or missing registration plates, riding or keeping illegally modified PABs, and riding bicycles without working handbrakes. LTA enforcement officers worked with police officers from Marina Bay, Punggol, and Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centres to target large group gatherings of active mobility users over the school holidays. In a Facebook post, LTA issued a reminder that "first-time offenders caught using improper or obscured PAB number plates may face fines up to $1,000 and/or 3 months' jail. Those using non-compliant devices on paths face up to $10,000 fine and/or 6 months jail." Two people were taken to hospital after an accident involving a trailer, a van and two cars on the AYE on 10 July. The accident, which occurred near the Clementi Avenue 6 exit at about 11.10am, led to lane closures and a massive jam on the expressway. The police revealed that a 45-year-old male van driver and a 45-year-old car driver were conscious when taken to the hospital. Police investigations are ongoing. The original Birkin bag made by French luxury brand Hermès for celebrity Jane Birkin has sold for a record €8.58 million (S$12.83 million) at an auction on 10 July. It has become the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction and is considered the second most expensive fashion item after a pair of ruby red slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz' went for €30 million last year. The final buyer was a "private collector from Japan' said auction house Sotheby's, without giving further details. Former Hermès artistic director Jean-Louis Dumas was inspired to create the now beloved Birkin handbag after he happened to be seated next to the actress on an Air France flight in 1981. A modern-day Birkin bag by Hermès can easily set you back over US$10,000 (S$12,800). A new business is offering Singaporeans the chance to buy and store performance and luxury cars in Johor. Carlogy Malaysia, a Johor-based company, is co-founded by Singaporean Heeraj Sharma. "I looked into this and found out that foreign-ownership of vehicles in Malaysia was legal and it was possible for Singaporeans to buy, provided the cars are not driven into Singapore," he said in an interview with the Malay Mail. "So, this gave me an idea for offering such services as a business that can cater to both Singaporeans and even Malaysians." Carlogy currently serves over 80 customers – with most coming from Singapore where car ownership is expensive. The company's storage facility in Skudai claims to have 24/7 security and offers customers the option to monitor their vehicles remotely through real-time CCTV feeds. "Unlike in Singapore, recreational driving in Malaysia is also an exciting prospect as there are so many places that our customers can explore,' Heeraj said. The People's Action Party (PAP) has revealed a fresh slate of 12 MPs will make-up of its government parliamentary committees (GPCs) for the 15th term of Parliament. Here are the PAP's new GPC chairpersons: Alex Yam (Culture, Community and Youth) Yip Hon Weng (Defence and Foreign Affairs) Sharael Taha (Digital Development and Information) Darryl David (Education) Saktiandi Supaat (Finance and Trade and Industry) Mariam Jaafar (Health) Yeo Wan Ling (Manpower) Vikram Nair (Home Affairs and Law) Henry Kwek (National Development) Xie Yao Quan (Social and Family Development) Poh Li San (Sustainability and the Environment) Tin Pei Ling (Transport) You can read more details in the report by ST, here. Jacky Cheung has added three more shows to the Singapore leg of his 60+ Concert Tour set for the Singapore Indoor Stadium in November this year. The Hong Kong Heavenly King will stage shows on 28, 29 and 30 November in addition to the previously announced shows on 21, 22 and 23 November which have already sold out. Tickets for the additional three shows – priced between $168 and $388 – will be available for general sale on 23 July at 10am. Priority sales will be made available earlier. More details in ticketing can be found at Ticketmaster. In February, the legendary performer set an incredible record of 1000 concerts in total following the completion of a performance in Haikou. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam said there is "no question" about Singapore's position against those who deliberately harm animals. Shanmugam, in an interview with CNA on 8 July, punctuated the government's zero-tolerance approach to acts of animal cruelty while also speaking of the need to educate the public on responsible pet ownership. The Minister for Home Affairs was reflecting on a number of recent community cat deaths earlier this year which sparked concern amongst the public. "What you want is to go after the people with malice – who go out to be cruel to animals, who think that it's a sport, who think that it's a game," said Shanmugam. He also pointed out the need for targeted enforcement to ensure that pet owners who are "well-meaning" but make mistakes without cruel intent, are not dealt with in the same way. This week, a man who was convicted of killing cats by throwing them from HDB blocks had his jail term doubled after the prosecution appealed. You can read more of CNA's interview with Shanmugam, here. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said its enforcement officers detected 232 active mobility offences and impounded 151 non-compliant devices over the last two months. Enforcement operations were carried out across Singapore and offences ranged from using power-assisted bicycles (PABs) with improper or missing registration plates, riding or keeping illegally modified PABs, and riding bicycles without working handbrakes. LTA enforcement officers worked with police officers from Marina Bay, Punggol, and Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centres to target large group gatherings of active mobility users over the school holidays. In a Facebook post, LTA issued a reminder that "first-time offenders caught using improper or obscured PAB number plates may face fines up to $1,000 and/or 3 months' jail. Those using non-compliant devices on paths face up to $10,000 fine and/or 6 months jail." Two people were taken to hospital after an accident involving a trailer, a van and two cars on the AYE on 10 July. The accident, which occurred near the Clementi Avenue 6 exit at about 11.10am, led to lane closures and a massive jam on the expressway. The police revealed that a 45-year-old male van driver and a 45-year-old car driver were conscious when taken to the hospital. Police investigations are ongoing. The original Birkin bag made by French luxury brand Hermès for celebrity Jane Birkin has sold for a record €8.58 million (S$12.83 million) at an auction on 10 July. It has become the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction and is considered the second most expensive fashion item after a pair of ruby red slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz' went for €30 million last year. The final buyer was a "private collector from Japan' said auction house Sotheby's, without giving further details. Former Hermès artistic director Jean-Louis Dumas was inspired to create the now beloved Birkin handbag after he happened to be seated next to the actress on an Air France flight in 1981. A modern-day Birkin bag by Hermès can easily set you back over US$10,000 (S$12,800). A new business is offering Singaporeans the chance to buy and store performance and luxury cars in Johor. Carlogy Malaysia, a Johor-based company, is co-founded by Singaporean Heeraj Sharma. "I looked into this and found out that foreign-ownership of vehicles in Malaysia was legal and it was possible for Singaporeans to buy, provided the cars are not driven into Singapore," he said in an interview with the Malay Mail. "So, this gave me an idea for offering such services as a business that can cater to both Singaporeans and even Malaysians." Carlogy currently serves over 80 customers – with most coming from Singapore where car ownership is expensive. The company's storage facility in Skudai claims to have 24/7 security and offers customers the option to monitor their vehicles remotely through real-time CCTV feeds. "Unlike in Singapore, recreational driving in Malaysia is also an exciting prospect as there are so many places that our customers can explore,' Heeraj said. The People's Action Party (PAP) has revealed a fresh slate of 12 MPs will make-up of its government parliamentary committees (GPCs) for the 15th term of Parliament. Here are the PAP's new GPC chairpersons: Alex Yam (Culture, Community and Youth) Yip Hon Weng (Defence and Foreign Affairs) Sharael Taha (Digital Development and Information) Darryl David (Education) Saktiandi Supaat (Finance and Trade and Industry) Mariam Jaafar (Health) Yeo Wan Ling (Manpower) Vikram Nair (Home Affairs and Law) Henry Kwek (National Development) Xie Yao Quan (Social and Family Development) Poh Li San (Sustainability and the Environment) Tin Pei Ling (Transport) You can read more details in the report by ST, here.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Singapore will not tolerate those who see animal cruelty as a game, says Shanmugam; Fresh slate of MPs to head PAP's backbench committees: Singapore live news
Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam, in an interview with CNA, has reiterated Singapore's strong position against those who deliberately harm animals. His comments come following a spate of community cat deaths earlier this year which alarmed the public. The People's Action Party (PAP) announced on 10 July new leaders for all 12 of its government parliamentary committees (GPCs). The fresh slate of MPs will head the PAP's backbench committees that scrutinise government policy. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam said there is "no question" about Singapore's position against those who deliberately harm animals. Shanmugam, in an interview with CNA on 8 July, punctuated the government's zero-tolerance approach to acts of animal cruelty while also speaking of the need to educate the public on responsible pet ownership. The Minister for Home Affairs was reflecting on a number of recent community cat deaths earlier this year which sparked concern amongst the public. "What you want is to go after the people with malice – who go out to be cruel to animals, who think that it's a sport, who think that it's a game," said Shanmugam. He also pointed out the need for targeted enforcement to ensure that pet owners who are "well-meaning" but make mistakes without cruel intent, are not dealt with in the same way. This week, a man who was convicted of killing cats by throwing them from HDB blocks had his jail term doubled after the prosecution appealed. You can read more of CNA's interview with Shanmugam, here. The People's Action Party (PAP) has revealed a fresh slate of 12 MPs will make-up of its government parliamentary committees (GPCs) for the 15th term of Parliament. Here are the PAP's new GPC chairpersons: Alex Yam (Culture, Community and Youth) Yip Hon Weng (Defence and Foreign Affairs) Sharael Taha (Digital Development and Information) Darryl David (Education) Saktiandi Supaat (Finance and Trade and Industry) Mariam Jaafar (Health) Yeo Wan Ling (Manpower) Vikram Nair (Home Affairs and Law) Henry Kwek (National Development) Xie Yao Quan (Social and Family Development) Poh Li San (Sustainability and the Environment) Tin Pei Ling (Transport) You can read more details in the report by ST, here. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam said there is "no question" about Singapore's position against those who deliberately harm animals. Shanmugam, in an interview with CNA on 8 July, punctuated the government's zero-tolerance approach to acts of animal cruelty while also speaking of the need to educate the public on responsible pet ownership. The Minister for Home Affairs was reflecting on a number of recent community cat deaths earlier this year which sparked concern amongst the public. "What you want is to go after the people with malice – who go out to be cruel to animals, who think that it's a sport, who think that it's a game," said Shanmugam. He also pointed out the need for targeted enforcement to ensure that pet owners who are "well-meaning" but make mistakes without cruel intent, are not dealt with in the same way. This week, a man who was convicted of killing cats by throwing them from HDB blocks had his jail term doubled after the prosecution appealed. You can read more of CNA's interview with Shanmugam, here. The People's Action Party (PAP) has revealed a fresh slate of 12 MPs will make-up of its government parliamentary committees (GPCs) for the 15th term of Parliament. Here are the PAP's new GPC chairpersons: Alex Yam (Culture, Community and Youth) Yip Hon Weng (Defence and Foreign Affairs) Sharael Taha (Digital Development and Information) Darryl David (Education) Saktiandi Supaat (Finance and Trade and Industry) Mariam Jaafar (Health) Yeo Wan Ling (Manpower) Vikram Nair (Home Affairs and Law) Henry Kwek (National Development) Xie Yao Quan (Social and Family Development) Poh Li San (Sustainability and the Environment) Tin Pei Ling (Transport) You can read more details in the report by ST, here.
CNA
20-06-2025
- CNA
FAQ: Hit an animal while driving on Singapore roads? Here's what you should do
SINGAPORE: A recent spate of community cat deaths sparked public outcry, but the National Parks Board (NParks) said in early June that there is no evidence to suggest these cases involved deliberate acts of animal cruelty. The two community cat deaths in Yishun and Punggol were instead likely caused by vehicle accidents, NParks concluded, while another cat found dead at a void deck in Tampines was the result of a traffic incident. CNA gives the lowdown on what you should do if you happen to hit an animal while driving and your obligations. Can you continue driving? According to the Road Traffic Act, motorists must stop if their vehicles caused injury or death to any animal as long as they can "reasonably tell" that the animal has an owner or that the animal's presence on the road is "likely to pose any safety hazard" to other road users. All animal species are covered under the Act. In response to CNA's queries, NParks advised motorists to drive with caution in residential and forested areas, and to drive within speed limits or reduce their speed. They should also be alert to the crossing of animals when driving in such areas and along roads flanked by forested areas, especially where there are signs to indicate animal crossings, it added. What should you do upon colliding with an animal? Traffic police (TP) told CNA that motorists who have hit an animal while driving should stop their vehicle in a safe location and turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said that the relevant authorities should be contacted, depending on the animal's well-being. They are: Motorists who are unsure if the animal is dead or alive can take a video and forward it to ACRES, said a spokesperson, adding that they should avoid touching or handling the animal, and to wait for ACRES' advice. If the animal is dead, the National Environment Agency (NEA) should be contacted at 1800 2255 632 for removal of the carcass. An NEA spokesperson said that the agency is responsible for clearing animal carcasses in public areas, excluding estates maintained by town councils, in the interest of public health. If the accident has caused obstruction to traffic or if the presence of the animal on the road is likely to endanger road users, the police must be immediately informed and reasonable steps have to be taken to alert others of the obstruction. What if the accident is serious? According to SPCA, if the accident has led to death or serious injury to a human, or resulted in serious damage to a vehicle or structure, the vehicles involved and any evidence must not be moved unless directed by the police. The only exceptions are if it is needed to rescue the people or animals involved, or to prevent further hazards. In such cases, the vehicle or its parts may be moved only as far as it is needed. "The motorist should capture potential evidence by taking clear photos and videos with timestamps, and by documenting the exact address of the location," said Ms Aarthi Sankar, executive director of the SPCA. How common are road accidents involving animals? Ms Sankar said that in 2024, SPCA investigated 15 hit-and-run cases involving animals. However, she noted that that figure is "only a subset" of the cases, as some are reported to other animal welfare organisations, while others go unreported or unnoticed. SPCA added it could not provide data on other years. In 2024, at least two sambar deer died on the roads, while wildlife groups have also noticed an 'exponential increase' in reported roadkill of the critically endangered Sunda pangolins in recent years. Mandai Wildlife Group's animal hospital, for instance, saw more than 40 pangolins killed or injured on average in a year between 2021 and 2023, up from around 20 annually between 2015 and 2020. A spokesperson for NEA said that over the past three years, it has received an average of 1,700 public feedback annually on dead animals and birds sighted. Members of the public are advised to report any sightings of animal carcasses via the myENV or OneService app. How can you tell if the animal is a road hazard? There is no specific size criterion to determine if an animal constitutes a road hazard, said TP. "Motorists should consider factors, such as traffic volume, the position of the animal on the road, and the road speed limit. If the animal obstructs any part of the road or may force other road users to make evasive manoeuvres or sudden braking, the animal should be moved but only if it is safe to do so." Should you move the animal if it is obstructing traffic? If the injured animal or carcass is in a position where it poses a safety hazard to other road users, motorists may move it to a safe location if it is safe to do so, said TP. Otherwise, motorists may call the police for assistance. However, you should not try to touch or handle certain animals, according to ACRES. "Animals like wild pigs, otters and sambar deers who are injured can be defensive and scared and we suggest for (the) public not to handle them," it said, adding that motorists can contact the society or NParks for assistance and advice. What if the animal appears to be a pet? In cases where the animal is likely to be a pet, motorists must take reasonable steps to inform its owner of the accident, said NParks. The agency added that drivers should take note of whether the animal has any collars, tags or other identifying features, and if possible, capture clear photographs. The information should then be sent to NParks, so that the agency can help reunite the animal with its owner or caregiver. Those driving should also take note of the location of the accident, said ACRES, adding that they can also post on Facebook pages which are focused on lost and found pets.
Independent Singapore
11-06-2025
- Independent Singapore
Young Democrats to host panel on animal welfare amid rising cruelty cases
SINGAPORE: Following a disturbing rise in animal cruelty cases, the Young Democrats are to host a panel discussion on June 15 that they hope will spark a serious national conversation—and real change. Titled Strengthening Animal Welfare in Singapore , the session will bring together a diverse panel of activists, legal experts, and a mental health professional to explore what more can be done to protect animals, especially the community cats and dogs that often fall through the cracks of policy and public concern. Set to take place at WCEGA Tower in Bukit Batok, the event is open to the public and aims to move the needle beyond sympathy and into action. 'Cats can't scream, but we can,' reads the event's tagline—a blunt but powerful reminder that animals can't speak for themselves. So we must. A worrying trend According to the SPCA, Singapore saw 961 confirmed cases of animal cruelty in 2024, the highest in over a decade. From neglect and hoarding to violent attacks, the cases have rattled animal lovers and caregivers across the island. One case in particular—the brutal killing of King Kong, a well-known community cat in Yishun—struck a chord nationwide. For many, it wasn't just an isolated act of cruelty. It was a wake-up call. Youth wing steps into the ring Animal welfare campaigns are usually the domain of NGOs and grassroots groups, but this time, the political youth wing of the Singapore Democratic Party is taking action. While attention often focuses on dramatic cruelty cases, the reality is that most animal welfare work happens quietly, out of the public eye, and often out of pocket. Every night across Singapore, community caregivers head out with food, clean water, and medications. Others rush from work to rescue a limping stray. Few of them are activists. They're ordinary people who care. Private vets also play a big part, often treating strays at discounted rates or for free. But with only one non-profit animal clinic in Singapore (run by the SPCA), there's mounting concern that the system simply isn't keeping up. What comes next? The June 15 panel is just one step, but organisers hope it will lead to more honest discussions and practical reforms. They're calling for a more coordinated approach—one where caregivers, clinics, policymakers, and citizens are on the same page. Because in the end, this isn't just about animals. It's about who we are as a society.
CNA
08-06-2025
- General
- CNA
Some cat welfare groups are over capacity with more animals needing help
Some cat welfare groups say they are over capacity as fewer animals are getting adopted compared to previous years. And they are struggling to serve community cats, as they report a 20 per cent rise in suspected abuse cases compared to last year. Rachel Teng with more.
