Since early this month, the Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (SPCA) has had to deal with a series of abuse cases across the country involving cats getting their tails tied up with rubber bands.
It sounds like a harmless prank, but it really isn’t. The rubber bands were tied tightly to the tails of the three felines, and that restricts the blood flow to and from the bound area. It’s enough to cause serious or permanent damage — one of the three cats will need to undergo surgery to have its tail amputated because of the cruel deed.
According to SPCA Singapore, the cases of abuse took place between March 5 to March 17 across different parts of Singapore. One cat was found with a black rubber band embedded in its tail at Block 94, Geylang Bahru; one cat was found on the 10th floor of Block 224 along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 with two yellow rubber bands wound tightly around its tail; another was found at Block 304 along Ubi Avenue 1 with a red rubber band tied around its tail.
SPCA can’t confirm if all the cases are linked, but they’re not ruling it out during its investigations. A reward of S$1,000 is being offered for any information that could lead to the arrests of the culprit(s). Witnesses are encouraged to step forward and contact SPCA via email or their hotline.
First time offenders of animal cruelty can be fined up to $15,000 and/or jailed up to 18 months under the Animals and Birds Act. Second or subsequent offenses will ensure a maximum fine of $30,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years.
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