Community cats 'slashed on the back' in Toa Payoh: Is it the work of a serial cat abuser?
Update on Oct 7:
Man charged for abusing cat and throwing it from 38th storey of Whampoa block
Original article:
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is appealing for information after several community cats were found injured allegedly by a serial cat abuser in Toa Payoh.
Stomper Artemis alerted Stomp to a Sept 23 Facebook post by Ms Angelina Ang in the Sayang Our Singapore's Community Cats group.
According to the post, two injured cats were found around Block 36 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh on Sept 20 and 21.
"It looks like they have been slashed very deeply," said the post.
Posted by Angelina Ang on Sunday 22 September 2024
The post was later updated to add that another two cats were found "slashed on the back" at Block 200 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh on Sept 23.
The Stomper said: "There is a serial cat abuser in Toa Payoh. There were several community cats who suffered deep cuts on their body in the past few days. A witness allegedly said the perpetrator is a 60 plus male."
The Facebook post also said two of the cats were handed over to SPCA.
In response to a Stomp query, SPCA executive director Aarthi Sankar said the society received a report on Sept 22 and another the next day.
"At the point of examination by our vets, both cats presented with similar lacerations," said Ms Sankar.
"One of them was found to have fractures in the left hindleg/pubis and in the sacroiliac joint which connects the pelvis to the spine. Based on diagnostic and photographic evidence, our SPCA vets determined that the injuries are consistent with the use of a sharp object.
"We have escalated the case to the Animal and Veterinary Service. Once our veterinary reports are available, these will be conveyed to the authorities to facilitate investigations. We are also working with the community cat feeders in the area to gather evidence and to continue monitoring the situation closely."
The SPCA is seeking more information about these cases.
Ms Sanker said: "If you have any information, saw anything unusual around Sept 22 and 23, or know someone who might, we urge you to come forward and share it with us. Please call our 24/7 hotline at 6287 5355 (ext. 9) or email inspector@spca.org.sg. Information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence."
She added that in 2021, 11 cats were slashed in Ang Mo Kio and all 11 incidents were eventually traced to a single perpetrator who was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail.
"It doesn't reflect the severity of the crime given the prolonged nature of his actions. He had put thought into it, with the buying of the penknife and deliberate hunting down of the cats." Posted by Stomp on Thursday 12 August 2021
When contacted by Stomp, the National Parks Board (NParks) Enforcement and Investigation group director Jessica Kwok said the board had received feedback from SPCA on alleged cat slashing in Toa Payoh on Sept 24 and is conducting investigations.
"NParks takes all cases related to animal cruelty seriously and investigates all feedback received. We will take action against anyone who has abandoned their pet, failed to provide adequate care for it, or has committed an act of animal cruelty," said Ms Kwok.
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