AVA investigating new cat deaths in Yishun

AVA investigating new cat deaths in Yishun
Posted 25 Jul 2016 20:46 Updated 25 Jul 2016 21:15

SINGAPORE: The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) is investigating two new cases of cat deaths in Yishun.

According to animal rescue group Yishun 326 Tabby Cat, the two cats were found dead in Yishun on Monday (Jul 25). In a Facebook post, the group said the carcasses of the cats were found at Block 115C Yishun Ring Road and Block 170 Yishun Ave 7.

"As part of the investigation, we are conducting a post mortem of the carcasses," an AVA spokesperson told Channel NewsAsia.

AVA added that not all animal deaths are related to animal cruelty and that the public should refrain from speculation while investigations are ongoing.

The agency said that it has received reports on 47 cases of cats reported dead or injured in Yishun since September 2015. Investigations revealed that of these, three cases were likely related to cruelty, while 14 cases were a result of other causes, such as death caused by road traffic accidents, sickness and disease, as well as accidental falls from height, AVA said.

"Out of the remaining 30 cases, 5 cases are under investigation and 25 cases remain open due to insufficient leads," AVA said.

The agency also noted the risks faced by stray cats. "Stray cats do not enjoy good welfare and living conditions. They are constantly exposed to the elements and face various risks such as starvation, disease and parasitic infestations, animal cruelty and the risk of getting knocked down by vehicles. Stray cats may not be able to fend for themselves in the environment and the risks they face could be fatal. Therefore, stray cats should be rehomed and properly cared for by responsible owners," AVA said.

Last month, 41-year-old Lee Wai Leong, who suffers from moderate intellectual disability, was sentenced to 18 months’ probation for animal cruelty.

Lee had picked a stray cat up from the ground floor of Block 115B Yishun Ring Road and thrown the cat over the parapet on the 13th storey because it "had been very noisy".

Another cat was also found dead at Yishun Street 72 on Jul 20. According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Executive Director Dr Jaipal Singh Gill, the cat was found with two puncture wounds.

“We informed the AVA and they have since taken the cat’s body for a post mortem examination. We will continue to assist the AVA, the agency investigating the spate of cat deaths in Yishun, as best we can,” he added.

AVA added that members of the public can report animal cruelty cases to AVA via its 24-hour hotline at 1800-476-1600. All information shared will be held in strict confidence, it said.

- CNA/xk/dl


- wong chee tat :)