Boy filmed throwing cat off HDB block: 'Deeply disturbed' SPCA escalates case to authorities
PHOTO: Video screengrab
PUBLISHED ONDecember 16, 2022 5:05 AMByMelissa Teo A video clip showing a boy throwing a cat off an HDB block in Boon Lay has sparked public concern.
CCTV footage of the incident, which happened on Wednesday (Dec 14) afternoon, has been circulating on social media.
In the clip, the child was seen exiting the lift on the 22nd floor of a block along Boon Lay Avenue together with a cat.
He picked up the animal and looked around before throwing the cat off the building.
A loud bang was heard moments later.
On Thursday, Singapore Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said in a Facebook post that they were alerted to the incident, and have since escalated the case to the authorities.
"We are deeply disturbed by the actions captured in the footage," SPCA wrote.
"Animal abuse and cruelty have no place in our society. We stand strongly against animal cruelty and are working closely with the authorities on the case for the next course of action."
SPCA also urged the public to contact their emergency hotline 6287 5355 ext 9 or make a report on their website if they witness any cases of suspected animal abuse.
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The SPCA also told AsiaOne that they have visited the boy’s family for further investigation.
“The SPCA strongly stands against any form of cruelty towards animals,” said Aarthi Sankar, executive director at SPCA, adding that the cat died of its injuries after falling from height.
“The SPCA will work closely with the authorities to investigate the case and concurrently counsel the child.”
In response to AsiaOne’s queries, the Animal & Veterinary Service said that investigations on the case are ongoing.
“We ask the public not to speculate on the details of the case and allow investigations to run its proper course,” said Jessica Kwok, group director at AVS.
Under the Animals and Birds Act, any person who cruelly beats, kicks, ill-treats ,over-rides, over-drives, over-loads, tortures, infuriates or terrifies any animal shall be guilty of an offence.
For the first offence, those found guilty may face a fine of up to $15,000, or a jail term of up to 18 months, or both.
Those found guilty of a second or subsequent offence may face a fine of up to $30,000, or a jail term of up to three years, or to both.
The police also confirmed that a report was lodged.
After learning of the incident, some people started an online petition calling for justice for the community cat. It has received close to 5,000 signatures.
In 2019, a mentally ill man stuffed his sister-in-law's cat into a haversack and threw it down 14 floors, killing the animal, reported The Straits Times.
After the deed, he took the lift to the ground level to retrieve the carcass. However, a passer-by stopped him and told him that the police had been informed.
A post-mortem at the AVA Laboratory revealed that the animal had died from "fatal external traumatic incident resulting in organ contusion and laceration, involving blunt-force trauma".
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