Kitten stuffed into a container at tech park spurs outcry amid calls for harsher animal cruelty laws

Independent Singapore

2 days ago

Photo: SPCA's Facebook Featured News Hot Button Issues Singapore News
SINGAPORE: A disturbing case of alleged kitten abuse at a workers' canteen in Tech Park Crescent has triggered renewed public outrage and intensified calls for stronger animal cruelty legislation in Singapore.
On March 29, 2025, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) received a tip-off from a whistleblower. A colleague of the suspected abuser alleged that a kitten had been confined in a plastic container and rolled around repeatedly between 9.45 pm and 10.30 pm on March 26.
According to the SPCA Facebook post on June 23, the incident may have been captured by CCTV cameras, and the site supervisor was reportedly aware of what transpired.
An unannounced inspection was carried out by SPCA officers on April 1, but by then, the kitten had been released and described as a 'community cat.' A stern warning was issued to the worker involved, yet the site manager refused to provide CCTV footage or assist further, prompting the SPCA to escalate the case to the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) for investigation. Rising animal rights campaign This case comes on the back of a rising trend in reported animal cruelty cases in Singapore, with calls from activists and the public growing louder for serious legal enforcement.
One of the leading voices in this campaign is animal welfare advocate Sherene Alkaff, whose petition titled 'Cats Can't Scream, But We Can' has garnered over 16,000 signatures. It features a request to the Ministry of National Development, NParks, and other relevant agencies to:
Allow cumulative evidence like vet reports and witness accounts in abuse prosecutions. Install mobile CCTVs and increase patrols in high-risk areas.
Strengthen sentencing — including mandatory jail time and judicial caning for repeat or sadistic offenders.
Recognise animal abuse as a national crisis. A warning and a worry
Many animal lovers are questioning the adequacy of the response so far. Comments on the SPCA's social media reflect widespread concern:
'A stern warning does not suffice since the potential abuser is presumably an adult… The management could just erase the footage next time this happens.'
'Even if the animal was released, the act did take place — the person who caused the suffering must be punished!'
The SPCA reiterated the importance of community vigilance. 'This case, like so many others, would have gone undetected if not for someone who chose to speak up. If you witness abuse or neglect, even if you're unsure, report it. Your voice might be the only one an animal has.' What you can do If you suspect or witness cruelty, SPCA advises: Take photos or videos if it's safe to do so.
Note the time, location, and identities involved.
Report immediately to SPCA or AVS. What's next?
Singapore's animal cruelty laws have evolved over the years, but cases like this underscore potential gaps in enforcement and accountability, especially in situations where evidence is withheld or not pursued with urgency.
As Singapore continues to promote itself as a progressive, compassionate society, many netizens are asking whether our animal welfare laws are keeping pace with that vision. See also Penang-Songkhla link talks at G-to-G level: End of Kra Canal
The answer may depend on what happens next.