Tugged, tossed into van: Acres files report over alleged wild rooster mistreatment

The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) has made a report to the National Parks Board (NParks) after pest control personnel were seen rough handling a wild rooster.

Acres uploaded footage of the alleged mishandling in a Facebook post on Wednesday (May 13), showing two pest control personnel catching a wild rooster and trapping it in what appears to be a burlap sack.

In the 22-second video, one man is seen repeatedly tugging the rooster while it appears entangled in netting. He proceeds to hold it by a single wing and place the rooster into a gunny sack.

The staff is also seen flinging the sack into the back of a van towards the end of the video.

"While members of the public may view chickens as "pests" or a nuisance in residential areas, it is important to remember that they are still living, sentient animals capable of experiencing stress, fear, pain and injury," Acres said.

The association highlighted that proper handling is "not optional", even if an animal is to be removed or culled.

Acres wrote: "Humane handling standards exist to minimise unnecessary suffering throughout the process."

@asiaone Acres has filed a report with NParks after pest control personnel were caught on video allegedly rough handling a wild rooster during a capture operation in Singapore. #sgnews #Singapore #Acres #NParks #Rooster ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

Under Singapore's Animals and Birds Act, causing unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal may constitute an offence.

Acres also urged members of the public who witness suspected animal cruelty or improper handling of animals to document the incident and report it to the relevant authorities.

Responding to AsiaOne's queries, Jessica Kwok, group director of enforcement and investigation at NParks, said that the board received feedback on the handling of the rooster at a housing estate on May 12.

Kwok added that NParks is looking into the matter.

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dana.leong@asiaone.com