106 live quail chicks abandoned at Lim Chu Kang with 'hundreds' of dead chicks & eggs, all die despite Acres' efforts

Hundreds of quail chicks and eggs were found discarded in a bin in Lim Chu Kang on Oct. 27.

In an Instagram post shared by Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) on Nov. 3, Acres reported that they were alerted to a troubling discovery.

A concerned caller had informed them about hearing "chirping sounds from a green bin".

At the site, a quail chick was found "atop a black trash bag" with "more chirping sounds from below", shared the wildlife rescue organisation in the post.

As it turns out, there were 106 live quail chicks amidst hundreds more lifeless ones and unhatched eggs.

Possibly "hundreds" of chicks and eggs

Responding to queries from Mothership, Acres co-CEO Anbarasi Boopal (also known as Anbu) shared that Acres was alerted to the case around 10:40pm on Oct. 27 and responded by arriving "around midnight."

Anbu shared that although Acres "does not rescue poultry", they responded to case at around midnight after realising the "intensity of the situation".

"We did not count the lifeless chicks and unhatched, because there were so many, possible in hundreds. We had to focus on those who were already hatching, chirping and still alive."

Describing the find as "frustrating", Anbu shared that efforts had been taken to keep alive the 105 chicks — one had died whilst being transported to safety.

"Incubation with warmth, fluids and syringe feeding [were] done to help those alive" shared Anbu.

However, none of the chicks survived despite Acres' best efforts.

Five more died the same night, and eventually, the remaining 100 also perished over the next two days.

This was likely due to various factors, namely, internal bleeding from broken bones and traumatic joint damage from crushing on top of each other, Anbu explained.

"The rescued chicks were weak, most could not stand on their own, and had abnormal position. Our veterinary team concluded that these were indications of injuries resulting from pressure, fragile bones or congenital abnormalities."

Describing the case as "heartbreaking", Anbu also stressed the importance of regulations for animal cruelty.

"For acts of cruelty, guidelines are important for prevention of suffering to the animals, in combination with deterrence from enforcement. We hope that agencies will investigate, identify any gaps and address them as well. Even if there are no regulations, it is evident that the conditions in which the fertilised eggs/chicks were found caused immense suffering leading to death."

NParks looking into case

Responding to queries from Mothership, the National Parks Board (NParks) has confirmed that they have received feedback on the alleged abandonment of quail chicks and is looking into the case.

"NParks takes all cases related to animal cruelty seriously and investigates all feedback received," the agency affirmed.

"We will take action against anyone who has abandoned their pet, failed to provide adequate care for it, or has committed an act of animal cruelty."

Members of the public can report suspected cases of animal cruelty via NParks' website, or call its Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.

NParks also encouraged the submission of photographic and videographic evidence as well.

"As with all investigations, all forms of evidence are crucial to the process, and photographic and/or video-graphic evidence provided by the public will help."

Animal cruelty cases on the rise

A total of 915 cases of animal cruelty and welfare cases were investigated by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in 2023, the highest in 11 years.

Under the Animals and Birds Act, anyone found guilty of cruelty to animals, including the abandonment of any animal, can be imprisoned for up to 18 months, fined up to S$15,000 or both.

NParks is also currently undertaking a review of the Animals and Birds Act and the Code of Animal Welfare in light of the rise in cruelty cases.

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Top image from @eyesofacres/Instagram