Beloved Yishun community cat likely died due to vehicular accident, no evidence of animal cruelty: NParks

The beloved community cat, King Kong, which was found dead in a horrific state near Yishun Street 51 likely died of injuries from a vehicular accident.

There was no evidence to suggest a deliberate act of animal cruelty, the National Parks Board (NParks) said in a media statement on Jun 3.

NParks released its findings following the completion of a post-mortem examination and related investigations.

It shared that in determining whether an animal has been neglected or ill-treated, it considers factors such as its overall living environment, medical history, and behaviour.

Investigation efforts include taking statements from all parties involved, conducting surveillance in the vicinity of alleged cases, checking available surveillance footage, and obtaining professional reports, such as post-mortem findings.

Following the conclusion of investigations, NParks said it will take the necessary enforcement actions against individuals found to have committed an act of animal cruelty.

Yishun cat King Kong

King Kong's caretaker originally stated that the cats body appeared to have been cut by a sharp object, with its organs revealed, and its eyes gouged out.

It was suspected that someone had tortured the cat to death before placing him on the road.

However, NParks' investigations found that it is likely that the cat had sustained its injuries due to a vehicular accident, and there was no evidence to suggest a deliberate act of animal cruelty.

As part of its investigations, NParks interviewed the feedback provider, who reported the case.

The agency also spoke to potential witnesses and reviewed the CCTV footage in the area to gather more information.

Through investigations, they confirmed that the cat carcass was initially found on the road by a passer-by, who moved it to a nearby void deck.

The overall findings of a post-mortem examination are compatible with an external blunt force trauma, NParks said.

This resulted in injuries, such as fractures of the bones of the pelvis and sternum, multiple areas of haemorrhage, and partial prolapse of the right eye.

"There is no evidence of penetrating or sharp force injuries or wounds. When the injuries are considered as a whole, a vehicular impact is the most likely cause of the blunt force traumatic injuries," NParks said.

Punggol cat

NParks also stated that the male tabby cat found severely injured near Block 326B Sumang Walk between May 11 and 12, 2025, had likely sustained its injuries from a vehicular accident as well, with no evidence indicating a deliberate act of animal cruelty.

This is based on the investigation findings, including taking into account the initial location where the cat was found.

NParks was notified of the injured cat on May 12 morning and sent it to a private veterinary clinic for care.

After the cat’s microchip was traced, NParks informed the community cat caregiver to contact the clinic.

Due to its injuries, the decision was made by the animal welfare group for the cat to be euthanised on welfare grounds at the clinic and cremated.

As such, a post-mortem examination was not conducted.

NParks cited the veterinary report from the private veterinary clinic on the cat’s condition and injuries, which included proptosis and lesions on the head.

The veterinary report also included the private veterinarian’s professional assessment that “these lesions and findings are usually suggestive of blunt trauma to the head".

"A possible common cause is RTA (Road Traffic Accident),” it was also stated.

Following public feedback and allegations of animal abuse, NParks launched a formal investigation on May 13.

As part of the process, officers interviewed the individual who found the cat and several potential witnesses.

Investigators also visited the scene and reviewed CCTV footage from multiple cameras in the area.

However, the available footage did not capture how the cat sustained its injuries.

All feedback taken seriously

NParks noted that both the Yishun and Punggol cases 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.

Another Yishun cat

NParks also provided an interim update on the case of another cat that was found dead in Yishun under unusual circumstances at around 3am on Jun. 1.

The carcass was discovered at Block 510A Yishun Street 51, just one block away from where King Kong was previously found dead.

NParks said it is investigating the matter and a post-mortem examination is being carried out.

Based on preliminary physical examination, there was no visible external injuries found.

Top photos courtesy of Min