June 05, 2022, 12:08 PM
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Hamster Society (Singapore) (HSS), a non-profit and all-volunteer animal welfare group, was recently alerted to a case of severe animal neglect at Hougang.
The group found several starving and dehydrated hamsters being kept in deplorable conditions at the common area of Block 709 Hougang Ave 2.
Carcasses of dead hamsters not cleared
HSS shared in an Instagram post that they typically do not interfere in such cases, but had no choice but to act when they heard that the hamsters had not been given food or water in days.
View this post on Instagram
They stated that upon their arrival, the critters' conditions were "even worse than described".
Several hamsters had died and were already decomposing and filled with maggots, but their carcasses were not cleared from the cages.
Live hamsters were thus kept in the same cages as the dead ones, and the area was filled with "a stench of death and ammonia from pee and poo".
HSS speculated that the hamsters still surviving might have cannibalised their dead cagemates, as some carcasses were "hollowed out with bones sticking out".
Warning: Video of maggots that might make you squeamish
Surviving hamsters rescued
The surviving hamsters were rescued by HSS, and were brought to a veterinarian.
They will then be sent to foster homes for proper care.
HSS stated that they are unsure if the hamsters are ready to be adopted. The creatures will undergo "quarantine" while volunteers assess the situation.
In their post, HSS bemoaned the hamster owners' negligence, pointing out that with the hot temperatures, the animals had been suffering in the heat without clean drinking water.
HSS shared that they have since reported this case to the "relevant authorities".
The Animal Veterinary Service (AVS) under the National Parks Board (NParks) investigates cases of animal cruelty in Singapore, including pet abandonment.
AVS and NParks take enforcement action against anyone who has committed an act of animal cruelty.
Any owner found guilty for failure in duty of care is liable to a maximum fine of S$10,000 and/or 12 months’ jail for first convictions.
Individuals who commit an act of animal cruelty are liable to a maximum fine of S$15,000 and/or 18 months’ jail for first convictions.
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Top photo from hamstersociety.sg / IG
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