NParks: Recent cat deaths in Yishun and Punggol likely caused by accidents, not cruelty
Investigations into the deaths of two community cats in Yishun and Punggol found no evidence of deliberate cruelty, with post-mortem and veterinary reports pointing instead to vehicular accidents, NParks said.
- NParks found that two recent cat deaths in Yishun and Punggol were most likely caused by vehicular accidents, not cruelty.
- Yishun case: Cat died of blunt force trauma consistent with a road accident.
- Punggol case: Injured cat “Papa Cat” had trauma likely from a vehicle collision, not abuse.
- Additional cases in Yishun (1 June) and Tampines (24 May) also linked to traffic incidents.
- Only 6% of animal cruelty reports show evidence of deliberate harm, though overall welfare cases hit a 12-year high in 2024.
Two recent community cat deaths in Yishun and Punggol were most likely caused by traffic accidents, with no evidence suggesting deliberate cruelty, the National Parks Board (NParks) said on 3 June.
NParks’ group director of enforcement and investigation, Jessica Kwok, said the findings were based on post-mortem examinations, veterinary assessments, and the circumstances of where the animals were found. She also provided updates on two other recent cases in Yishun and Tampines.
Yishun case: Blunt force trauma
On 9 May, a cat was found dead at Yishun Street 51, sparking initial suspicions of abuse after residents claimed the body appeared mutilated. Police referred the case to NParks, which conducted a detailed investigation including CCTV reviews and witness interviews.
A passer-by was found to have moved the cat’s body from the road to a void deck. Post-mortem results revealed blunt force trauma, with pelvic and sternum fractures, internal bleeding, and partial eye displacement. No sharp or penetrating injuries were present.
Kwok concluded that a vehicular impact was the most likely cause of death.
Punggol case: Cat known as “Papa Cat”
In a second case, a male tabby named Shere Khan — also called “Papa Cat” — was discovered injured near the loading bay of Block 326B Sumang Walk between 11 and 12 May.
Animal welfare group LUNI Singapore had initially suspected abuse due to his eye and facial injuries. NParks retrieved the injured cat and sent it to a private clinic, where the findings suggested blunt head trauma consistent with a road traffic accident.
Although CCTV footage was reviewed, no evidence of abuse was found. On welfare grounds, the cat was later euthanised.
Other recent cases in Yishun and Tampines
On 1 June, another cat was found dead at Block 510A Yishun Street 51. No visible injuries were observed, and a post-mortem is underway.
In Tampines, a community cat named Sunshine was discovered dead on 24 May, wrapped in plastic at a void deck. Investigations showed it had been struck by a car earlier that day. Traffic Police officers had moved the body to prevent further hazards, and the driver had reported the accident within 24 hours. No further action was taken.
Broader animal welfare concerns
Kwok stressed that NParks investigates all suspected cruelty cases seriously. While reports of animal abuse have been rising, she noted that only about 6% of cases are confirmed as deliberate cruelty. Most involve natural deaths, accidents, or disputes between residents.
Still, 2024 marked a 12-year high in reported animal welfare cases. According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), there were 961 cases involving 2,190 animals — of which cats accounted for 1,330.
