Dead cat found at Yishun pond

SINGAPORE - Another cat has been found dead in Yishun, this time in a pond next to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Facebook group Yishun 326 Tabby cat posted at around 10.15am on Saturday morning (Dec 26).

According to the group's post, the cat's body was found at 8am this morning, floating alongside some items. The cat appears to be grey white.

Police were alerted to the incident and the group urges witnesses with information to come forward to assist.

This morning's incident is the latest in a series of cat deaths plaguing Yishun, bringing the total number of abused cats to 19, with 17 deaths and two reported injuries.

On Dec 18, a cat was found seriously injured with two fractured legs. Cat activists and vets who treated it said its injuries were consistent with the recent spate of abuse cases.

According to The Straits Times, since September, some cats were found cut up, others thrown from heights or strangled.

These unsettling events caught the attention of Mr Louis Ng, an MP for Nee Soon GRC, who has assembled a new grassroots fast-response team to patrol parts of Nee Soon and gather evidence. Mr Ng added that additional high-resolution cameras have also been installed around the neighbourhood.

The fast-response team comprises about 30 grassroots volunteers, cat feeders and residents. Once the team has been alerted to a case, some members will attend to the call and speak to residents on site.

Under the Animals and Birds Act, anyone found guilty of cruelty to animals can be jailed up to 18 months, fined up to $15,000 or both.

Members of the public with any information about the cat abuse cases may call the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore at 1800-476-1600, e-mail ava_cawc@ava.gov.sg or call the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' 24-hour hotline at 6287-5355, ext 9.

debwong@sph.com.sg