Four community cats in Toa Payoh were allegedly slashed between September 20 and September 23. According to a Facebook post by Angelina Ang, the incidents occurred on three separate occasions. “I’m posting to raise awareness about a serious situation where two of our beloved community cats have been harmed in consecutive incidents. It looks like they have been slashed,” she wrote.
The incidents
On September 20, a brown cat was found injured at Block 36 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh. A Good Samaritan in the neighbourhood took the cat to a veterinary clinic in Toa Payoh for treatment. The following night, on September 21, a black cat was also found injured and was taken under the care of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Two more cats were found on September 23 with slash wounds on their backs at Block 200 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh. Both cats were sent to the vet, and the white cat was handed to SPCA for further treatment. The injuries, as shown in the pictures shared on Facebook, appear to be deep, short gashes.
Angelina hopes to raise awareness in the community to protect the remaining cats and appeal for any information regarding these incidents.
Investigating
SPCA’s executive director, Aarthi Sankar, confirmed they have received two reports on separate occasions regarding the alleged slashing on September 22 and 23. According to their vets, the two cats had similar lacerations. One was found to have fractures in the left hindleg and 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,” said Sankar.
SPCA has escalated the case and is working with community cat feeders in the area to gather evidence and continue monitoring the situation. In response to Fathership’s queries, Jessica Kwok, group director of enforcement and investigation at the National Parks Board (NParks), confirmed that they received feedback from SPCA on the alleged cat slashing and are conducting investigations.
Anyone with information on the incident can contact SPCA at their 24/7 hotline at 6287 5355 (ext. 9) or via email at [email protected]. They can also report the information to NParks via their website or through their Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.
Previous incidents
In 2021, a 37-year-old man was arrested and charged after slashing community cats in Ang Mo Kio. The man was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail. This previous incident highlights the ongoing issue of animal cruelty in the area and underscores the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting to prevent further harm to these vulnerable animals.
