Community cat in Tampines West died after accident with car, driver alerted police: NParks

A community cat in Tampines West named Sunshine was found dead, wrapped in plastic packaging and placed beside a trash bin on May 24.

In a media statement on Jun. 3, the National Parks Board (NParks) confirmed that the cat had been involved in a traffic accident with a car earlier that day.

According to NParks, the motorist involved alerted the police, and officers from the Traffic Police (TP) responded to the incident.

Cat was moved to void deck by TP officers

TP officers moved the cat’s body to the void deck, NParks explained, as it posed a safety hazard to other road users, and to prevent the cat from being run over again.

The incident was later reported to NParks by a member of the public who came across the cat’s body.

No further action will be taken as the driver of the motor vehicle had reported the accident to the police "as soon as reasonably practicable within 24 hours", NParks said.

A resident discovered Sunshine at the void deck of Block 897 Tampines Street 81 at around 7am on May 24.

It was found wrapped in brochures and flyers inside a plastic packaging meant for toilet paper. There was blood on its paws and the packaging.

All feedback taken seriously

NParks also noted that the cases of cat deaths in Yishun and Punggol were likely the result of vehicular accidents.

"There is no evidence to suggest that either case was a deliberate act of animal cruelty," it said.

NParks stated that it understands the concerns on cases of alleged animal cruelty, and assured the public that they take all feedback received from the public on alleged animal cruelty seriously and will investigate them thoroughly, including looking at any new evidence presented.

"Safeguarding animal welfare is a shared social responsibility and together as a community, we can make a positive difference for our community animals," NParks said.

Members of the public can play a part by promptly reporting suspected cases of animal cruelty to AVS via their website at www.avs.gov.sg/feedback or via calling the Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.

NParks added that all forms of evidence are crucial, and photographic and/or videographic evidence provided by the public will help with the investigations.

Top photos from Victoria Lim