Appeal for information on cat deaths

THE Cat Welfare Society will put up posters in Pasir Ris Park by Sunday to appeal for information on the recent spate of cat deaths there.

Another two cats were confirmed dead on Wednesday, which brings the total deaths since June 14 to nine.

One is still missing and another has been found but is suffering from severe liver damage.

The society met representatives of the National Parks Board, Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) and the People's Association (PA) Water Venture - which has a centre near Pasir Ris Park - on Wednesday.

All parties clarified that they did not engage any pest controllers to cull the stray cats. This has reinforced suspicions that the killings might be the work of an individual.

The cats went missing on June 14, and some of the carcasses were found last week.

The cats are suspected to have died from eating poisoned fish crumbs scattered in the park and at the entrance of the PA Water Venture Centre.

"I believe with the scale of it and having so many dead in one area makes it a serious matter," said Ms Veron Lau, 44, former vice-president of the Cat Welfare Society. She said parkgoers to whom the society's volunteers had spoken said they would help the authorities with the investigations.

The AVA said investigations to get to the bottom of the cat deaths are ongoing.

Members of the public who have information on this case can contact AVA on 1800-476-1600.

Anyone found guilty of animal cruelty can be fined up to $15,000, jailed for up to 18 months, or both.

samboh@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Jun 26, 2015.
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