Stingrays and other fish left struggling without water during condo pond cleaning, NParks investigating
Ian Cheng
The Straits Times
March 26, 2025
The National Parks Board (NParks) has launched an investigation after a pond with live fish was drained for cleaning at a condominium in the west of Singapore.
A video posted on Facebook by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) on March 25 shows fish that were still alive and struggling at the bottom of the drained pool.
"While the condominium management made efforts to rehome the red-eared sliders (terrapins), no provisions were made for the welfare of the fish, who were left to struggle and discarded alive," said Acres, adding that this was allegedly under instructions of the condominium's management.
"It resulted in the slow suffocation and unnecessary suffering of stingrays, tilapias and plecos (sucker fish)," it said.
[Fish Cruelty at Condo Pond] The large pond at a condominium in Singapore was drained for cleaning with live fish still...
Posted by ACRES: Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Singapore) on Tuesday 25 March 2025
In response to queries from The Straits Times, NParks said it was alerted to a case of alleged animal cruelty that occurred during a pond-cleaning exercise at a condominium located in the west, and that it is currently investigating the matter.
"NParks takes all cases related to animal welfare seriously and investigates all feedback received. We will take appropriate enforcement action against anyone who has committed an act of animal cruelty and abuse," it said.
In its Facebook post, Acres cited fish conservation and welfare expert, Dr Naomi Clark-Shen, who said that research has shown fish to be capable of experiencing stress and feeling pain.
The animal welfare group told ST that its animal crime investigation unit had formally filed a case on the incident with NParks. The group added that it is unable to disclose specific details, including the location.
"We find it deeply troubling that the pond clearing was carried out in such an unethical manner, causing unnecessary pain and suffering," it said.
"The management of the premises, along with the contractors involved, bears the responsibility of ensuring that all animals are treated humanely."
