Yishun residents mourn beloved community cat ‘King Kong’ after brutal killing
Residents in Yishun have set up a memorial for King Kong, a well-loved community cat allegedly tortured and killed on 9 May. The case has sparked outrage among animal lovers, with NParks investigating and Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam condemning the act as “shocking cruelty.”
- Yishun residents created a memorial for King Kong, a beloved community cat found mutilated on 9 May.
- Minister K. Shanmugam condemned the killing as “shocking cruelty,” and NParks confirmed an investigation.
- Offenders convicted of animal cruelty face fines up to S$15,000 and/or 18 months’ jail, with harsher penalties possible.
Residents of Yishun have created a memorial corner to honour “King Kong”, a popular community cat whose brutal killing has shocked the neighbourhood and animal welfare groups across Singapore.
On 12 May, Facebook user Janet Chin posted photos on the Sayang Our Singapore’s Community Cats page, showing flowers, cat treats, and a framed photograph of King Kong placed at Block 511A, Yishun Street 51.
Chin explained that she worked with King Kong’s feeders to arrange the tribute, moving flowers that had been initially laid under trees to the void deck. Residents and visitors may pay their respects during the week before the memorial is cleared.
Discovery of King Kong’s death
King Kong was found dead in the early hours of 9 May at Oleander Breeze @ Yishun, a public housing estate where the cat had been a familiar presence.
Reports indicated the feline’s eyes had been gouged out and its body severely mutilated, including dismembered internal organs. The brutality of the act prompted outrage online, with members of the Sayang Our Singapore’s Community Cats group expressing shock and grief.
One of the cat’s feeders described King Kong as gentle and affectionate, adding that the community regarded him fondly. They appealed for information that could help identify the perpetrator.
Minister Shanmugam condemns cruelty
Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam, who is also a Member of Parliament for Yishun GRC, strongly condemned the act in a Facebook post.
Calling it “shocking cruelty”, he wrote: “What kind of person would do something like this? This is not how humans should behave.”
His remarks drew widespread support, with citizens expressing horror and urging harsher punishments for animal cruelty.
NParks investigation underway
The National Parks Board (NParks) confirmed that it had received feedback about the incident and launched an investigation.
In a statement, NParks said it “takes all reports of animal cruelty seriously” and encouraged the public to provide evidence, such as photographs or videos, through its website or the Animal Response Centre hotline.
Under Singapore’s Animals and Birds Act, animal cruelty can lead to a fine of up to S$15,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 18 months. Severe cases involving death or significant harm may attract heavier penalties depending on intent and circumstances.
Growing calls for justice
The killing of King Kong has reignited debate over animal welfare in Singapore, with many residents and advocacy groups demanding justice. Online discussions highlighted recurring concerns about animal cruelty, particularly in Yishun, where several cases have been reported in recent years.
For now, the memorial at Block 511A stands as a symbol of the community’s grief and determination to see justice served. As investigations continue, residents and animal lovers across the island are calling for the swift identification and prosecution of those responsible.
0 Comments