Remember how our beloved Singapore otters were doing so well recently? One of our furry pals were unfortunately found trapped and dead inside a cage that was set up illegally along Marina Promenade, according to a press release by the Public Utilities Board (PUB).
At about 11.40am on Wednesday, PUB’s cleaning contractor found the dead otter along Marina Promenade in the Kallang Basin — believed to be of the Bishan family. Apparently, it had gone missing for two days according to otter enthusiast page OtterWatch. No clear cause of death stated for now, but the deceased otter has since been handed over to Wildlife Reserves Singapore for a post-mortem.
On the same day at 5.30pm, PUB reservoir staff caught a man setting up traps in the reservoir along Marina Promenade during their patrols, and he’s now believed to be the culprit for the incident. PUB said it will proceed to take enforcement action against him under the Public Utilities (Reservoirs, Catchment Areas and Waterways) Regulations 2006 if found guilty.
PUB is appealing to the public to inform them should they spot any illegal activities at the reservoirs at 1800-2255-782 (1800-CALL-PUB). It would be helpful to provide information such as date, time and location, along with any photos and/or videos as well.
“PUB reminds the public that it is an offence to trap any animal or do any act which causes injury to the fauna in any reservoir and any person caught doing so may be fined up to $3000,” they wrote.
The death in the family is a blow to House Bishan Otters — who we presumably vented their rage upon their rivals from House Marina Otters. Just this morning, the two rival clans clashed for supremacy in the Singapore River, and someone even managed to capture the whole thing in glorious 4K.
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