Dead Community Cats in Yishun, Tampines Not Due to Abuse: NParks

Investigation, post-mortem findings show they are likely victims of road accidents

- Ang Qing

The death of a community cat in Yishun in early May, widely believed to be a case of animal abuse, was likely caused by a road accident, the National Parks Board (NParks) has concluded.

Another community cat found dead on May 24 at a void deck in Tampines Street 81 has also been linked to a traffic incident.

In the light of recent cat abuse allegations, NParks provided further details on the cases at a June 3 media briefing.

"We were concerned about the public anxiety over these cases and we also wanted to assure the public that we have conducted a thorough investigation into (these cases)," said NParks director of enforcement and investigation Joshua Teoh.

The mangled body of a community cat, affectionately named King Kong, was found at a void deck near Yishun Street 51 on May 9. Its death sparked a national outcry, with a reward of $5,000 being offered for information leading to the arrest of the alleged animal abuser.

Mr Teoh on June 3 said that an investigation, however, discovered that the dead cat was initially spotted in the middle of the road by a passer-by, who moved it to a nearby void deck.

A post-mortem examination found that the injuries, including fractures of the pelvis bones and the partial protrusion of the cat's right eye, resulted from external blunt force trauma.

Mr Teoh said: "There is no evidence of penetrating or sharp force injuries or wounds. When the injuries are considered as a whole, a vehicular impact is the most likely cause of the blunt force trauma."