Another Community Cat Found Dead in Yishun, NParks Investigating

SINGAPORE: Another community cat has been found dead in Yishun, this time under unusual circumstances with its legs splayed awkwardly.

The discovery was made around 3am on 1 June at Block 510A Yishun Street 51, just one block from where another cat, King Kong, was previously found dead in a grisly state.

According to a Facebook post by community group Sayang Our Singapore’s Community Cats, a young resident who often checked in on the neighbourhood cats stumbled upon the black-and-white cat’s body. Troubled by the unnatural position of its legs, the resident sought help from a neighbour to bury the carcass.

Later, the second resident alerted Janet, an active cat welfare advocate, who advised that a police report be filed. Janet also reported the case to the National Parks Board (NParks).

“I have pleaded with NParks to take in the body for a postmortem as it seemed to be an unnatural death,” Janet told Mothership.

The carcass was subsequently exhumed and collected by an NParks contractor for possible examination. Janet noted that there were no visible injuries on the cat, but faeces were found near the body — raising her suspicions that the death was not natural.

The area is monitored by police CCTV cameras, and residents hope the footage may provide clarity.

NParks begins investigation

In response to media queries, NParks confirmed it is investigating the incident.

“NParks received feedback on a cat found dead at the foot of a staircase at Yishun Street 51 and is looking into the matter,” the agency said in a statement on 2 June.

It urged the public not to speculate on the details while investigations are ongoing.

A string of troubling cases

This is the latest in a series of suspected cruelty or unusual cat deaths reported across Singapore.

• Tampines (24 May): A cat named Sunshine was found dead at Block 897, Tampines Street 81. His body was wrapped in plastic and left by a rubbish bin. A vet later determined he had suffered blunt force trauma to the head and a dislocated jaw. While the injuries may have come from a fall, a vehicle impact, or abuse, no conclusion has been reached.

• Punggol (11–12 May): A male tabby, Shere Khan (also known as Papa Cat), was found severely injured near Block 326B Sumang Walk. He suffered eye injuries, tongue lacerations, and facial bruising. Though an animal welfare group suspected abuse, NParks later assessed that the injuries were consistent with blunt trauma, likely from a traffic accident.

• Yishun (9 May): A cat named King Kong was discovered with its eyes gouged out and body dismembered in Yishun Street 51. NParks has said investigations are still ongoing.

Rising concern over animal cruelty

Animal cruelty has become a growing concern in Singapore. NParks has reported an average of 1,200 cases annually between 2019 and 2023, most involving cats and dogs.

Under the Animals and Birds Act, those convicted of animal cruelty can face fines of up to S$15,000 and/or 18 months’ jail. Harsher penalties apply in cases involving serious harm or death.

NParks reiterated that it investigates all reports of alleged animal cruelty thoroughly, adding: “We urge the public not to further speculate on the details of the ongoing cases and to verify their information sources.”

For now, cat caregivers and residents in Yishun remain on edge, awaiting answers on the latest unexplained death.