After the good news that four of the 18 cats allegedly snatched from St John’s Island were found, two more of the abandoned felines have been located, thanks to assistance from volunteers from other animal welfare groups.
On Aug 26, St John Island’s Cats — the group that has been taking care of the island’s native feline residents for years — reported that a posse of people who aren’t part of the group was seen abducting 18 of the cats to be brought over to the mainland for reasons unknown. The Agri-Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore is still investigating the still unknown culprits responsible for the deplorable deed.
More than a week since the alleged abduction, four of the missing St John’s Island cats were found roaming at Sembawang Park, malnourished and lost in a whole new environment. St John Island’s Cat managed to send three of them to the vet for treatment, while the fourth cat — an easily frightened one — will need some time to capture. More good news arrived yesterday when another island cat was found in the same location by an animal welfare group.
Late last night, it was confirmed that a sixth St John’s Island cat was found, but it was not clear where it was found. What this means, however, is that a third of the total number of abducted cats are now accounted for. St John Island’s Cats also noted that they received tip-offs that some cats were spotted in the vicinity of MacRitchie and East Coast Park, though the claim remains unverified. The search for the remaining 12 continues.
An act of cruelty
In response to queries by Coconuts Singapore, Cat Welfare Society (CWS) president Thenuga Vijakumar expressed her dismay over how the St John’s Island cats have been taken away from their homes and simply abandoned in an unfamiliar environment.
“The St John cats have lived on the island for many years. They were neutered by SPCA and CWS and have been cared for by an independent group of caregivers who we understand make regular trips and bring the cats back to the mainland for veterinary care as required,” she acknowledged.
“It’s unfortunate that the cats have been removed quite suddenly and highly distressing to hear that they have been abandoned in unfamiliar environments. We view this as an act of cruelty”.
Thenuga also expressed the hope that the public can treat community cats and their caregivers with better care and respect.
“We hope that members of the public respect the work of caretakers who have helped care for the felines in their communities; more importantly it’s key to recognize that the well being of animals can be compromised when they are displaced from their environments.”
