Latest news with #communitycats
Independent Singapore
6 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
'Cats can't scream but we can': Viral petition renews calls for stronger animal cruelty Enforcement in Singapore
SINGAPORE: A petition titled 'Cats Can't Scream But We Can' has captured the public's attention, gathering over 14,000 signatures in just days. Sparked by a wave of brutal attacks on community cats, the campaign thrusts into the spotlight a growing plea: that the quiet creatures living among us deserve meaningful protection, not just sympathy. The petition's opening lines cut straight to the heart: 'They live among us— not owned, but loved. Yet they are being hunted… kicked, maimed, killed.' A growing crisis, largely unseen Last year, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) recorded 961 confirmed cruelty and welfare cases, the highest total in twelve years. Of the 2,190 animals affected, nearly two-thirds were cats, whose gentle presence in neighbourhood void decks and stairwells has made them easy targets for violence. Among the most heartbreaking recent incidents: King Kong, a stray in Yishun, was found with his eyes gouged and organs torn (May 2025). Sunshine, a Tampines fixture for over a decade, was discovered bloodied and abandoned in a bin (May 2025). Field Field—affectionately known as 'Garfield'— was allegedly thrown from a 38th-floor apartment in Whampoa (October 2024). And in Haig Road, residents have watched a woman stalk, kick, and injure cats for more than two years, only to learn that no charges can be laid because there was no CCTV footage of the exact blow. Families who once called these cats friends now find themselves grappling with grief, anger, and a sense of helplessness. Five Demands, One Clear Message In response, petitioners have outlined five urgent calls to action—each meant to plug gaps in Singapore's current approach: Allow cumulative evidence in prosecutions. Under the existing Animals and Birds Act, prosecutors must tie cruelty directly to an individual's actions. Petitioners argue that veterinary reports and witness statements, taken together, should meet the burden of proof even when the exact moment of harm isn't on camera. Introduce restraining orders or zone exclusions. Much like Personal Protection Orders in domestic-violence cases, these would keep known abusers away from areas frequented by community cats. Deploy mobile CCTV units and conduct regular patrols. Many of the violence hotspots—void decks, stairwells, underpasses—are dark, unlit, and easy to hide in. Petitioners say that visible deterrents and on-the-ground patrols could stop many attacks before they happen. Toughen sentencing: mandatory jail time and judicial caning for repeat or sadistic offenders. While current penalties allow for up to two years' imprisonment and fines, petitioners believe these measures aren't enough. 'We've seen people who come back again and again,' one feeder told us. 'Until the punishment truly hurts, they won't stop.' Declare animal cruelty a national crisis. This is perhaps the most symbolic ask—an official acknowledgement that unchecked violence against defenceless animals represents a broader moral failing. Petitioners insist that naming the problem is a first step toward real change. Youth, repeat offenders, and a fraying social compact Another worrying trend is the rise in cruelty cases involving minors. In 2024 alone, 15 youth—some as young as primary-school age—were implicated in animal abuse. From children lifting rabbits by their ears to teenagers kicking birds in public, these incidents hint at deeper issues of desensitisation. SPCA notes that, 'In a developmental stage where peer influence takes precedence, youth learn quickly from one another. If the situation is not arrested, they may get desensitised to animal cruelty and regard it as the norm.' As the petition accelerates from social media into mainstream discourse, it underscores a growing impatience with the perceived gap between legislation on the books and the brutal reality on the ground. If you witness or suspect animal cruelty, please contact the SPCA's 24/7 hotline at 6287 5355 ext. 9, AVS at 1800 476 1600, or dial 999 for emergencies.
CNA
2 days ago
- General
- CNA
Yishun, Punggol cat deaths likely caused by vehicle accidents; no evidence of deliberate cruelty: NParks
SINGAPORE: Two community cat deaths in Yishun and Punggol were likely caused by vehicle accidents, and there is no evidence to suggest either was a deliberate act of animal cruelty, the National Parks Board (NParks) said on Tuesday (Jun 3). In making its conclusions, NParks took into account its investigation findings, a postmortem examination for the Yishun case and a report from the veterinary clinic in the Punggol case. It also considered the initial locations where both cats were found, said Ms Jessica Kwok, NParks' group director of enforcement and investigation. She also gave updates on two other cats that were found dead in the past week – a second cat in Yishun and another in Tampines. FIRST CAT IN YISHUN A cat was found dead at Yishun Street 51 and NParks was alerted to a case of suspected animal abuse by the police on May 9. During its investigations, NParks interviewed the person who reported the case, located potential witnesses and reviewed the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage in the area. "Through our investigation, we confirmed that the cat carcass was initially found on the road by a passer-by, who moved it to a nearby void deck," said Ms Kwok. A postmortem examination was carried out on the cat carcass by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). The overall findings were "compatible" with external blunt force trauma, which resulted in injuries, such as fractures of the bones of the pelvis and sternum. There were also multiple areas of bleeding, and its right eye had fallen partially out of place. There was no evidence of penetrating or sharp force injuries or wounds, said Ms Kwok. "When the injuries are considered as a whole, a vehicular impact is the most likely cause of the blunt force traumatic injuries." CAT FOUND DEAD IN PUNGGOL In its statement on Wednesday, NParks also gave further updates on its investigation into the feline that was found injured at the loading and unloading bay near Block 326B Sumang Walk in Punggol. NParks retrieved the injured cat after being notified on the morning of May 12 and sent it to a private veterinary clinic. After the cat's microchip was traced, NParks informed the community cat's caregiver to contact the clinic. At this point, the case was classified as animal rescue as there was no evidence at the initial stages that the cat was abused, NParks' director for enforcement and investigation Joshua Teoh told reporters on Tuesday. He added that an animal welfare group representative had decided to put down the cat on welfare grounds, and it was not sent for a postmortem examination. The cat's body was subsequently collected by another community cat caregiver and cremated. The report from the private veterinary clinic that treated the injured cat noted the cat's condition and injuries "in detail", which included proptosis - abnormal protrusion of one or both eyes - and lesions on the head. The report included the private vet's professional assessment that the lesions and findings are "usually suggestive of blunt trauma" to the head, with a "possible common cause" being a road traffic accident, said Ms Kwok. NParks began investigating the case on May 13 after receiving feedback that the cat may have been abused. It interviewed the person who first found the injured cat and other potential witnesses. Officers also visited the scene and retrieved CCTV footage from multiple cameras in the area, but the CCTV cameras did not capture any footage of how the cat sustained its injuries. "Based on the investigation findings, including taking into account the initial location where the cat was found, NParks assessed that it is likely that the cat had sustained its injuries due to a vehicular accident, and there was no evidence to suggest a deliberate act of animal cruelty," said Ms Kwok. She added: "NParks understands the concerns on cases of alleged animal cruelty, and we would like to assure the public that we take all feedback received from the public on alleged animal cruelty seriously and will investigate them thoroughly, including looking at any new evidence presented." TWO MORE CASES Ms Kwok also gave updates on two other cats that were found dead in the past week, including a second one at Yishun Street 51 with its legs splayed. She said there were no visible external injuries found, based on the preliminary physical examination, and a postmortem examination is being carried out. In another incident, a feline was found dead at a void deck at Tampines Street 81 on May 24. NParks established that Traffic Police officers had attended to a traffic incident involving a car and a community cat earlier that day. "The (Traffic Police) officers moved the cat's body to the void deck as it was likely to pose a safety hazard to other road users and to prevent other vehicles from running over the cat's body," said Ms Kwok. A member of the public later came across the cat's body and reported the case to NParks. No further action will be taken as the car driver had reported the accident to the police within 24 hours. ABUSE CASES REACH 12-YEAR HIGH Speaking to reporters, Mr Teoh said that NParks has seen a "fairly consistent trend" in cases designated as animal abuse or cruelty over the years. Of these, no more than 6 per cent had evidence pointing to animal cruelty. Among the rest, the majority were public disputes or disamenities caused by pet or community animals, and some of these may not be related to cruelty, Mr Teoh added. Some animals may have underlying conditions and could have died due to natural causes. In 2024, the number of cases involving animal cruelty and welfare in Singapore rose to a 12-year high of 961, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). A total of 2,190 animals were involved in the cases, with cats forming the majority (1,330). The Animals and Birds Act is currently being reviewed to increase penalties – such as fines, jail terms an disqualification orders – to ensure "effective deterrence" against animal welfare offences.
Independent Singapore
28-05-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
A nation's silent victims: Rise in animal abuse cases sparks petition for urgent reform in Singapore
SINGAPORE: A petition on is picking up momentum as animal welfare advocates across Singapore raise the alarm: community cats are being harmed, and too little is being done. The plea — now backed by a groundswell of public support — doesn't just call for justice. It demands it. At its heart lies an urgent cry to protect the voiceless, the belief behind which is that behind every case of cruelty or neglect is a pattern that's no longer isolated. The petition reads: 'If stronger enforcement is not implemented, the abuse will not only continue; it may escalate. A lack of accountability sends the message that harming animals is tolerated.' It warns that each delay risks more suffering and urges the government to act now. This comes as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) reports a 12-year high in animal cruelty and welfare cases. In 2024 alone, 961 incidents were confirmed — a stark reminder that silent suffering is unfolding right under our noses. Many of the victims were community pets known to residents, fed daily, and sometimes even named. Some were thrown from HDB blocks. Others were found poisoned, mutilated, or gone without a trace. For those who cared for them, their death was heartbreak — each one a quiet tragedy. Abandonment was the most common form of cruelty, followed by physical abuse. SPCA defines cruelty as the intentional infliction of pain, suffering, or death, while neglect stems from a failure to meet basic needs. 'Protecting the vulnerable should never be optional. It must be urgent,' the petition reiterates. Many of those who signed it are community cat caregivers who, without state support, pay out of pocket for vet care and rescue operations. For them, the emotional toll is growing, matched only by their frustration. Adding to the crisis is a dark and growing trade that too often escapes public attention — Singapore's role in the illegal wildlife pipeline. In 2024, authorities uncovered 42 smuggling cases, the highest in recent memory. Living, breathing creatures are being packed into suitcases with no air, kittens are being drugged and stuffed into modified car boots, and birds are being bartered like collectables over Telegram chats. These animals weren't being rescued. They were being sold with their worth reduced to novelty or profit. NParks and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority have ramped up enforcement with mobile X-rays and DNA testing, but questions remain: If we can mobilise advanced forensics for smuggled wildlife, why are community animals still left exposed? Pet businesses are also under scrutiny. In 2024, SPCA looked into 56 cases involving pet groomers and trainers — people who keep pets trusting them with their animals. Among the most horrid was a case where a corgi, left unattended on a grooming table, fell and tragically died after being choked by its leash. What was meant to be a routine grooming session instead ended in horror. Incidents like this reveal deep cracks in professional accountability, with some errant businesses simply rebranding and reopening, leaving grieving pet owners with no answers — and no justice. The youth demographic is another concern. Fifteen cases of cruelty were committed by minors in 2024, more than double the previous year. SPCA warns that, without intervention, a generation could grow up desensitised to violence. See also Ex-WP MP and PSP member call for universal minimum wage Singapore has tools — from wildlife DNA labs to enforcement units — and laws that provide up to 18 months in jail and a $15,000 fine for first-time animal cruelty. What's missing, activists say, is the will to use them consistently. The petition's message is clear: this is not just about cats. It's about the kind of society Singapore wants to be. Community cats are voiceless — but those who care for them are speaking out. Whether the authorities will listen remains to be seen. Until then, every act of cruelty is more than an isolated incident. It's a national test of our empathy and a call to conscience.
CNA
23-05-2025
- CNA
CCTVs, knocking on doors: What else will it take to nab community cat abusers?
In May 2023, the lifeless and bloodied body of a young tuxedo tabby cat named Tuxy was found at the open-air carpark next to a block of flats in Hougang. The gruesome find shocked volunteer feeders in the area who immediately sprung into action to gather information to catch the abuser. 'We went door-to-door personally to visit each unit and requested video footage from those with a camera facing the corridors,' said Ms Jasmine Tan, 30, a cat feeder in the area. Out of the footage they received was one video showing what is believed to be Tuxy thrown from heights. The group sent this in to the National Parks Board (NParks) but two years on have not heard back if the abuser was nabbed. CNA TODAY has reached out to NParks to ask about the status of this case. While waiting for closure from this case, more instances of abuse involving community cats have surfaced. Just earlier this month, in an act described as "appalling cruelty" by Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, a community cat in Yishun called King Kong was found with severe injuries including its eyes gouged out and organs split. Within days another cat called Shere Khan was found at a car park in Punggol with severe injuries and both eye globes protruded significantly from their sockets. It had to be subsequently euthanised. While the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), which is the body under NParks which investigates such cases, said that Shere Khan's injuries were "likely" due to a vehicular accident, the Cat Welfare Society (CWS) said it stands by its statement that the "nature of his injuries points strongly to deliberate abuse" and it was 'one of the most brutal cases' it has encountered. 'Based on the information available to us, we do not believe this was a road traffic accident. We are concerned that the possibility of a non-accidental injury cannot be ruled out,' said the group's co-founder Nina Astolfi. At the same time, some community cat abuses are being dealt with by the judicial system. On Friday, a 20-year-old man pleaded guilty to performing an indecent act on a cat after being caught on a neighbour's closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera. In February, a man was sentenced to 14 months' jail for abusing five cats in Ang Mo Kio, killing two of them by throwing them off public housing blocks between 2019 and 2021. The prosecution is appealing for a higher sentence. That same month, another man was charged in court for allegedly killing a cat and abusing four others in Toa Payoh, in September and October 2024. But such instances are cold comfort for animal lovers, as the number of abusers brought before the court of law – though increased through the years – is miniscule compared to hundreds of cats that die from alleged abuse. NParks investigated an average of about 1,200 cases of alleged animal cruelty and welfare cases annually from 2017 to 2020, according to the Ministry of National Development in September 2021. From 2017 to 2021, 40 persons have been sentenced in court and fined, and 23 persons have been sentenced in court and jailed. In 2024, NParks received around 60 cases of alleged animal cruelty involving community cats specifically, it told CNA TODAY on Friday. Of these cases, evidence of animal cruelty were found for five of these cases upon investigation. "In those cases, which were substantiated with evidence, enforcement action was taken against the offender, such as issuing a warning letter or a composition fine. For cases that were egregious in nature, offenders were prosecuted in court," NParks said. This has led some volunteers to feel despondent, with some telling CNA TODAY that they no longer bother to report the death of community cats they encounter to authorities because more often than not it does not lead to the abuser being caught. 'We have been through so many cases ... Each time an exceedingly cruel case happens there is some media attention and then it proceeds to die down until the next abhorrent case happens,' said Ms Tan, Tuxy's feeder.
Malay Mail
18-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Shere Khan the Punggol cat likely hit by vehicle, NParks says after outcry over suspected abuse
SINGAPORE, May 18 — A Singapore community cat found gravely injured near Block 326B Sumang Walk in Punggol earlier this week was likely the victim of a vehicular accident, the National Parks Board (NParks) has concluded. The male tabby named Shere Khan was discovered on the morning of May 12, barely clinging to life at a loading bay, and was rushed to a veterinary clinic. Despite emergency care, Shere Khan's injuries were too severe and the cat had to be euthanised. A vet report revealed blunt force trauma to the head, commonly associated with traffic accidents, NParks said in a statement yesterday. 'Based on the investigations and observations from the vet report, we did not find any overt evidence that the injuries were sustained due to a deliberate act of cruelty,' NParks added. 'It is likely that the cat had sustained its injuries due to a vehicular accident.' The cat's death sparked a wave of concern after animal welfare group Luni Singapore suggested the injuries were from 'deliberate abuse' and appealed for witnesses and surveillance footage. Shere Khan was under the care of Luni Singapore, which described the case as one of the most brutal it had encountered. Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How acknowledged the public's strong emotional response in a Facebook post on May 17. 'I am heartened by the outpouring of public concern on the safety and welfare of our community cats,' he said. He added that NParks is consulting with stakeholders to strengthen animal protection laws, including harsher penalties for cruelty cases, under the ongoing review of the Animals and Birds Act. NParks stressed that it takes all public feedback seriously and will continue investigating any information related to animal cruelty. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong also addressed the incident on Facebook earlier, urging compassion. 'Let us be a gracious society, and show kindness and compassion to animals,' he wrote. Shere Khan's case comes just days after a separate and deeply disturbing cat death in Yishun, where a feline named King Kong was speculated to have been disembowelled and had its eyes gouged out, Singapore media reported. Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam condemned the Yishun case, calling it 'appalling cruelty' and asking, 'What kind of person will do this?' Investigations into the Yishun incident are still ongoing. The two cases have triggered renewed calls for stricter enforcement and heavier penalties against animal abusers. Animal groups such as the Cat Welfare Society have ramped up community outreach and are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious acts.
