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Warning: This article contains descriptions of animal abuse. Viewer discretion is advised.
A beloved community cat has died after going missing for a week, and reappearing 6km away with severe injuries.
Cat feeders are now calling for justice for Mackie, who is known as the "main attraction" and "local celebrity" of the area.
Found with brutal injuries
A mainstay of the Ayer Rajah Industrial Estate, Mackie went missing on Jan. 19, just before the long Chinese New Year weekend.
Photo via Ayer Rajah Cat Slaves
His feeders and carers searched for weeks, putting up posters and posting on social media.
"Even hours and hours of physically searching through various parks," the feeder group, known as Ayer Rajah Cat Slaves, wrote in a Change.org petition.
"No one had relocated him. No animal shelter had him. No one had seen him."
A week later, a couple (who wanted to be known only as Max and Molly) found him 6km away at a quiet void deck at Block 610 Clementi West 1.
Unfortunately, Mackie was found in horrific condition. He had severe injuries all over his body, with infected wounds crawling with maggots.
He was also nearly blind and unable to move.
Photo courtesy of Max and Molly
A video of Mackie also showed him lying on the ground, only responding to Max's repeated entreaties with weak, piteous meows.
Upon seeing Mackie's condition, Max and Molly contacted the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
However, his injuries were too severe. Mackie was euthanised by an SPCA vet on Jan. 25.
Case under investigation
The sad news reached his feeders only a few weeks later, on Feb. 20.
In the aftermath of Mackie's death, his feeders are searching for an explanation.
The nature of his injuries, as well as the distance from his usual location, has led them to believe that this might be a case of animal abuse.
"We want answers. We want to find this someone and hold them accountable for their actions," his feeders wrote in the petition.
One feeder, Sarah, added that Mackie was particularly friendly, sweet, and gentle. "Mackie was truly one of the most special cats — the highlight of the whole feeding route...[He] would even climb into your lap," she said.
"In the day, he was cared for by many people who work in the area. People would line up to pat him or feed him treats."
Photo via Ayer Rajah Cat Slaves
Photo via Ayer Rajah Cat Slaves
In response to Mothership's queries, Jessica Kwok, Group Director of the Animal & Veterinary Service at the National Parks Board (NParks), said they are aware of the incident.
"We are in touch with SPCA and the members of public who reported the case and investigations are ongoing," she said.
Under the Animals and Birds Act, first-time offenders who commit animal cruelty-related offences face a maximum fine of S$15,000, a jail term of up to 18 months, or both.
Witnesses can contact the feeder group at ayerrajahcats@gmail.com.
Top image via Ayer Rajah Cat Slaves and Max and Molly