4 community cats in Toa Payoh allegedly slashed, NParks investigating

Four community cats in Toa Payoh were allegedly slashed between Sep. 20 and Sep. 23.

According to a Facebook post by Angelina, the alleged slashing happened on three separate occasions.

"I'm posting to raise awareness about a serious situation where two of our beloved community cats have been harmed in consecutive incidents. It looks like they have been slashed," she wrote.

The incidents

On Sep. 20, Angelina said one brown cat was found injured at Block 36 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh, and a Good Samaritan in the neighbourhood brought the cat to be treated at a veterinary clinic in Toa Payoh.

The next night, on Sep. 21, a black cat was also found injured and was taken under the care of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Two more cats were found on Sep. 23 with slash wounds on their backs at Block 200 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh.

Both cats were sent to the vet, and the white cat was handed to SPCA for further treatment.

In the pictures she shared on Facebook, the cats' injuries appear to be deep, short gashes.

Angelina shared that she hopes to raise awareness in the community to protect the remaining cats and appeal for any information regarding these incidents.

Investigating

SPCA's executive director, Aarthi Sankar, confirmed they have received two reports on separate occasions regarding the alleged slashing on Sep. 22 and 23.

According to their vets, the two cats had similar lacerations.

One was found to have fractures in the left hindleg and pubis and in the sacroiliac joint, which connects the pelvis to the spine.

"Based on diagnostic and photographic evidence, our SPCA vets determined that the injuries are consistent with the use of a sharp object," said Sankar.

SPCA has escalated the case and is also working with the community cat feeders in the area to gather evidence and continue monitoring the situation.

In response to Mothership's queries, Jessica Kwok, group director of enforcement and investigation at the National Parks Board (NParks) confirmed that it received feedback from SPCA on the alleged cat slashing and is conducting investigations.

Anyone with information on the incident can contact SPCA at their 24/7 hotline at 6287 5355 (ext. 9) or [email protected].

They can also report the information to NParks via their website or via their Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.

In 2021, a 37-year-old man was arrested and charged after slashing community cats in Ang Mo Kio.

The man was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail.

Top photos via Angelina Ang/Facebook