Punggol cat that died likely injured from vehicular accident, no evidence of deliberate abuse: NParks

The National Parks Board (NParks) has concluded its investigations of the death of an injured cat found in Punggol, also known as Shere Khan.

There was no overt evidence to suggest that the cat suffered from any deliberate act of animal cruelty, NParks' Group Director for Enforcement and Investigation Jessica Kwok said.

Likely a road traffic accident

In a statement provided to media, Kwok updated on the investigations made after the cat was retrieved and public feedback was received on May 12.

Shere Khan was sent to a private vet clinic for immediate veterinary care on the same morning.

NParks also commenced investigations immediately – the person who first found Shere Khan was interviewed and CCTV footage in the vicinity of where the cat was found was reviewed.

The community cat caregiver, who was traced via the cat's microchip, was also informed by NParks to contact the clinic for follow-up.

Due to its injuries, the cat was euthanised on welfare grounds at the clinic and cremated.

The vet report from the clinic stated that the cat's injuries were suggestive of "blunt force trauma to the head".

A road traffic accident is a possible common cause of such injuries, the statement added.

Based on the vet report and investigation findings, NParks concluded that the cat had likely sustained its injuries due to a vehicular accident.

NParks also updated that it is still looking into the death of King Kong, a community cat in Yishun which died in a gruesome manner.

As investigations are ongoing for the case of King Kong, another cat that recently died in Yishun, NParks urges the public to avoid speculations and to “verify their information sources”.

"These are crucial in allowing for a fair round of investigation to be carried out," Kwok added.

More can be done to protect community cats: Tan Kiat How

Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How also commented following the conclusion of NParks’ investigations into Shere Khan's death.

"More can be done to protect them," Tan said in response to the public concern on the community cats' safety and welfare.

He added that NParks is consulting stakeholders and the animal welfare community as part of an ongoing review of the Animal and Birds Act. These conversations will include penalties on cases of animal cruelty.