SINGAPORE: The National Parks Board (NParks) is investigating two separate incidents of suspected cat abuse that occurred within a week in Yishun and Punggol.
“NParks has received feedback involving a cat found dead at Yishun Street 51 and an injured cat found in a car park near Block 326B Sumang Walk. We are looking into both cases,” the agency said on Wednesday (14 May).
Community cat ‘King Kong’ Found Mutilated in Yishun
On 9 May 2025, a community cat affectionately known as King Kong was found dead in a Yishun housing estate.
Reports from residents and animal welfare groups indicate that the cat’s eyes had been gouged out and its body dismembered.
The gruesome discovery has shocked and outraged residents and animal advocates.
King Kong was a familiar and gentle presence in the neighbourhood, often fed and cared for by the community.
The Sayang Our Singapore’s Community Cats Facebook group, which advocates for the welfare of community cats, shared details of the case, expressing disbelief and sadness over the brutal act.
One of King Kong’s regular feeders expressed their devastation on social media, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC, condemned the act on Facebook, describing it as “shocking cruelty”.
‘Shere Khan’ Severely Injured in Punggol
Just days later, another suspected case of abuse emerged in Punggol.
On 13 May, animal welfare group LUNI Singapore appealed for witnesses following the discovery of a severely injured male tabby cat named Shere Khan — also known as Papa Cat — near Block 326B Sumang Walk.
The incident is believed to have occurred on either 11 or 12 May.
Despite receiving immediate veterinary care, Shere Khan succumbed to his injuries.
Shere Khan was described as a gentle and trusting community cat cared for by LUNI Singapore, a non-profit group that rescues and rehomes street cats.
The group stated that the nature of his injuries strongly suggested intentional abuse, possibly involving strangulation or blunt force trauma.
“This is one of the most brutal cases we have encountered,” the organisation said in a statement on Tuesday (13 May).
Founder Nina Astolfi said the veterinary report indicated that the cat had bilateral proptosis (protruding eye globes), tongue swelling and lacerations, superficial facial bruising, a lesion on the head, and frayed nails on all four paws.
He was also hypothermic and dehydrated upon arrival at the clinic.
Cat Welfare Society Supporting Investigations
The Cat Welfare Society (CWS) has carried out door-to-door outreach efforts in both Yishun and Sumang Walk with the help of volunteers in recent days.
In an Instagram update on 14 May, CWS said useful information had been gathered and shared with the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster under NParks.
“CWS is not an investigation team. We work on the ground to mobilise caregivers and volunteers to help gather information and raise awareness quickly,” the group explained.
“This is provided to the investigating body, AVS, in an effort to speed up their investigations.”
They added: “Like you, we too hope for speedy investigations from AVS and a clear outcome. If these cats were in fact harmed by individuals, then they must be penalised fully under our laws.”
View this post on Instagram
Penalties for Animal Cruelty
Under Singapore’s Animals and Birds Act, individuals found guilty of animal cruelty may face a fine of up to S$15,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 18 months.
In cases involving death or serious harm, harsher penalties may be imposed depending on intent and circumstances.
Between 2019 and 2023, NParks investigated an average of 1,200 animal cruelty and welfare cases annually — most involving cats and dogs.
The post NParks investigating two suspected cat abuse cases in Yishun and Punggol appeared first on The Online Citizen.
