Two exotic illegal pets were found abandoned after members of the public alerted the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) on May 27 and June 1.

Male marmoset & ball python found abandoned

ACRES's wildlife rescue team attended to a case of a male marmoset that was found on a tree at 701 Geylang Road, where it was rescued and later sent to the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) for further examination.

However, the primate was found to be in poor condition, and was ailed with tumours and had signs of moderate to severe dental and gum disease.

The marmoset was euthanised on humane and welfare grounds due to its poor health conditions.

On June 1, ACRES rescued a ball python at a bin centre at 52 Chin Swee Road, after it was found tied up in a white plastic bag by a cleaner, who told the team that the python was discarded at the lift lobby of the said block.

The cleaner had quickly reported the matter to the police and town council, who then alerted ACRES.

The python, which was of African species, would have been discarded with other trash if it was not sighted by the cleaner, Anbarasi Boopal, the deputy chief executive of ACRES told Mothership.

"It's ridiculous and cruel that someone decided to dump a live animal in a plastic bag at the lift lobby," Anbarasi said.

The ball python is currently under ACRES's care, and is under observation.

ACRES appealing for information

The team has reported both cases to NParks for further investigation.

According to the law under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act, any person found to be in possession of or selling illegally imported species listed under CITES can be fined up to S$50,000 per scheduled species (not exceeding a maximum aggregate of S$500,000), up to two years imprisonment, or both.

ACRES is currently appealing to the public for information regarding both cases of abandonment.

If you have any information to build this case, you may email the ACRES team at [email protected].

Hotlines to tip off illegal pets

ACRES: 9783 7782

NParks: 1800-471-7300 or www.nparks.gov.sg/feedback

Information shared with NParks will be kept strictly confidential.

Top image via ACRES/Facebook