Over 20 turtles allegedly 'dumped into cramped box' at Mount Sinai condo, resident calls it 'inhumane'
More than 20 red-eared slider turtles at a condominium in Mount Sinai Lane were allegedly scooped up from their pond and left cramped in a black container for weeks, sparking outrage among residents.
Stomper GT, who has been a resident at Glentrees for over three years, described the situation as "very inhumane" and "a disgrace".
According to him, the turtles had lived on the estate for years, roaming freely among several ponds and sharing space with koi fish in an open basement area.
"Some tenants left the turtles there when they moved out and they grew over time," GT said. "No one had complained before. Most residents, especially children, love to see and feed them."
However, in the last week of Janunary, things changed.
"(Condo staff) suddenly scooped the turtles up, dumped them into one black container and left them there like they were waiting to die," the Stomper alleged.
GT said the turtles were kept in a single container with poorly maintained water and irregular feeding.
"There are more than 20 large ones inside. They have to swim non-stop because there's nowhere to rest. They are stacked on top of each other. It's been more than two weeks — almost a month already — and they're still like that."
Only after several complaints from residents did management reportedly place a small concrete block inside the container so that the turtles could climb up and rest.
"But the box is too small. So many turtles piled on top of each other," GT added. "They look unhealthy and scared now."
"The estate has several ponds, but they refuse to release the turtles back because they say it's not aesthetically pleasing," said GT. "The pond they used to live in has already been cleaned and they don't want it dirty again."
Stomp understands that condo management had attempted to seek help from animal welfare groups and authorities, but was unable to rehome so many turtles.
Acres: 'Abandoning animals is irresponsible'
In response to Stomp's queries, Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) chief executive Kalaivanan Balakhrishnan said on March 2 that the situation was "unfortunate".
"Acres does not take in red-eared slider terrapins, as they are imported and commonly sold as pets. Our rescue work primarily focuses on native wild animals," he explained.
"While we are unable to take the turtles in, we are in communication with the relevant parties to explore alternative solutions."
Mr Kalai noted that the issue stemmed from the alleged dumping of turtles by residents within the condominium. He said Acres hopes that the condo management will consider implementing measures such as reviewing security arrangements and strengthening awareness and education efforts among residents.
"It is important to emphasise that abandoning animals is irresponsible, and pet ownership is a lifetime commitment. Red-eared slider terrapins can grow quite large, and as they grow, so do their care requirements," he added.
Stomp understands from a source within the condo that the issue has been "rectified" as of end-February. At least five terrapins have reportedly been adopted by a non-resident and the remaining have been split between two containers, with more space for terrapins to move.
Stomp has reached out to Glentrees for comment.
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