Live fish were reportedly left to suffocate during the cleaning of a pond at Palm Gardens Condominium in Choa Chu Kang, according to a video shared by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) on 25 March, 2025.
The footage shows fish flopping helplessly on the dry surface of the drained pond while workers conduct cleaning activities nearby.
Acres alleges that while the red-eared sliders from the pond were rehomed, no such effort was made for other species, including stingrays, tilapia, and plecos.
These fish were left to die, a situation Acres described as “slow suffocation and unnecessary suffering”, allegedly under the instructions of the condominium’s management.
A member of the public first reported the sight of the struggling fish, which sparked the attention of Acres and led to their on-site investigation.
The video footage shared on Facebook reveals one worker lifting a live fish from the pond and throwing it onto the pavement where other fish lay.
According to Acres, the incident raises concerns about the treatment of ornamental fish and a lack of understanding of their welfare needs.
The organisation has since referred the matter to the National Parks Board (NParks), which oversees animal welfare matters in Singapore.
In response to media queries from The New Paper, the management of Palm Gardens confirmed awareness of the incident but declined to provide further comment.
The pond, reportedly part of the condominium complex for 25 years, had not been highlighted for issues previously.
Public reaction online has been swift and highly critical. Netizens expressed outrage at the video, with many demanding accountability from the management.
One Facebook user commented, “This is damn disgusting. Charge the condo management. Criminal law then. Can charge person or company. It doesn’t matter whether the doctor said they can feel stuff or not. If we can keep as pets it’s def animal abuse. They didn’t even bother putting it into the river or pond or canal at least. Couldn’t bare watching”
Another wrote,“NParks should take action on them just as it would with any pet owners doing this.”
Acres also quoted Dr Naomi Clark-Shen, a researcher specialising in fish conservation and welfare, who stated that “research has shown that fish are capable of experiencing stress and feeling pain.”
She urged greater awareness and responsibility from government agencies, private entities, and the general public.
“The government, businesses and general public need to ensure that such unnecessary suffering does not happen again,” she added.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns raised by animal welfare groups regarding the treatment of fish in non-commercial environments, including private ponds and water features.
While much attention is given to mammals and birds in animal welfare discourse, experts continue to stress that fish are sentient beings deserving of protection.
Acres reiterated that this case should prompt a review of how ornamental aquatic animals are treated during routine maintenance works in residential and commercial properties.
As of 26 March, 2025, NParks has not issued a public statement on whether investigations have commenced or what enforcement actions, if any, will follow.
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