Punggol community cat dies from injuries likely due to 'deliberate abuse', cat welfare non-profit appealing for witnesses

UPDATE on May 14, 11:45pm: This article was updated with a statement from NParks.

A male tabby cat was found severely injured near Block 326B Sumang Walk between May 11 and 12, 2025.

Despite receiving immediate veterinary treatment, he did not survive.

The beloved community cat, who goes by the name of Shere Khan, but is also fondly known by many as Papa Cat, was microchipped and registered under LUNI Singapore, a non-governmental organisation that serves street cats.

LUNI was first alerted to the cat being brought to the vet by the National Parks Board's Animal & Veterinary Service.

They made a Facebook post about Shere Khan's case on May 13, describing it as "one of the most brutal cases" they have encountered.

According to LUNI, the nature of Shere Khan's injuries "points strongly to deliberate abuse, potentially involving strangulation or blunt force trauma."

LUNI told Mothership that Shere Khan was found with:

• Both eyes forced out of its sockets (proptosis)
• Severe swelling of the tongue
• Deep facial wounds
• Frayed claws, likely from a struggle or attempt to escape

LUNI is currently looking for any witnesses, dashcam footage, or CCTV recordings regarding the case, including any information about unusual happenings, be it a distressed cat, a commotion, or suspicious behaviour.

LUNI shared that they are reporting the case to the authorities "and will be using every available channel — including media and social platforms — to shine a light on this tragedy and help prevent future abuse."

Anyone with information can send an email to [email protected].

"All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality," LUNI said.

In response to Mothership's queries, NParks' Group Director of Enforcement & Investigation Jessica Kwok said NParks was alerted to an injured cat found in a carpark near Block 326B Sumang Walk and is looking into the matter.

Kwok said the agency takes all feedback received from the public on animal matters seriously.

Animal abuse cases on the rise

There were 961 confirmed cases of animal cruelty and abuse in 2024, an increase from 915 cases in 2023, according to a report by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Those were the highest number of reported cases in the past 12 years.

Recently on May 9, a community cat by the name of King Kong was found dead in a horrific state near Yishun Oleander Breeze.

Top photo from LUNI Singapore/Facebook