Woman upset to see workers chasing chickens in Yishun: 'Hen trying to rescue the chicks''
An elderly woman said she was left disheartened after witnessing some workers trying to catch a flock of free-roaming chickens.
She also claimed the men were "rude" to her when she spoke to them.
In a Facebook post, she described seeing a hen, rooster and several chicks dashing off. Photos she shared indicated that the incident took place in a Yishun HDB estate.
"Poor hen and rooster. The hen and rooster running away. Hen trying to rescue the chicks," she wrote.
"As a senior citizen, when I saw these, I felt very bad."
Some pointed out that it's illegal, while others speculated that the workers were simply carrying out instructions.
"I suspect sometime they might be instructed to catch the chickens," said a user. Another added: "I guess it because some residents complained about those fowls."
Another quipped: "Maybe they hungry, cannot afford to buy KFC."
Some urged a more compassionate approach, saying the chickens should be allowed to live peacefully in the neighbourhood.
"Let them be among the nature and our already concrete jungle. Let's all be a gracious society and live among all living things on earth," one wrote.
Many defended the workers, with one noting that they have "yet to come across a Town Council worker that is rude".
Another summed it up as the challenge of balancing animal welfare with residents' complaints: "Managing wildlife in shared spaces is never easy, but he workers are just doing their job."
Balancing needs a "work in progress": Town ouncil
In response to Stomp's queries, a Nee Soon Town Council spokesperson said it will continue to monitor the situation and engage residents, noting that "balancing different needs in a shared community space is and will always be a work in progress".
"Chickens are a familiar sight in many parts of Singapore," the spokesperson added.
"Our priority is to maintain a clean, safe, and pleasant environment for all. It is also important that our team on the ground, including our conservancy workers, is able to carry out their duties professionally."
