14 cats abandoned at Toa Payoh HDB void deck over 2 weeks, rescuers suspect illegal breeding

UPDATE on Oct. 3, 10:28pm: The article has been updated with NParks' statement.

Between Sep. 6 and 22, a total of 14 cats were abandoned around Block 35 and 36 Lorong Toa Payoh.

Speaking to Mothership, the team of rescuers involved revealed that 12 of the cats have been rescued — three have been adopted into new homes and the other nine are now under the care of local cat shelter Pat-A-Cat (PAC).

However, two of the cats are still missing and rescuers remain on the lookout for them every day.

Cats were found in poor conditions

Ashleen, one of the rescuers involved, told Mothership that the cats were found in poor condition and "looked neglected".

Many of them had matted fur and overgrown nails, while some were also "skinny".

None of them had been sterilised or microchipped.

Photos shared by Ashleen revealed the heartbreaking reality: many of the cats had been left behind with just cardboard boxes and mats.

One cat was also found with a red leash dangerously wrapped around its body.

Others were so terrified that they were found hiding inside drains. According to Ashleen, hiding in drains is typical of abandoned cats, as they get frightened when thrown into an unfamiliar environment.

Ashleen added that the search for the two missing cats is still ongoing.

The community cat feeder in the area has been looking for them every day, but has had no luck yet.

Rescue efforts were intensive

Rescue efforts during this two-week period were intensive.

Ashleen revealed that in the 16 days, the team was alerted to one to two cats being abandoned almost every other day, meaning that they had to rush down to the area often and coordinate with PAC to transport the rescued cats to the shelter.

Ashleen expressed her gratitude towards members of community who stepped up to help, many of them cat lovers who lived in the area.

Details of the rescues were posted in the Facebook group Sayang Our Singapore's Community Cats.

In one of the cases on Sep. 11, the rescuers were alerted to two cats being abandoned in the same area.

One of the cats took some effort to capture.

Upon arriving, two of the rescuers managed to spot the smaller cat hiding in the bushes briefly, before it tried to escape through the drain.

Fortunately, after some searching, they later managed to find the cat hiding inside an old curry pot.

Two large cages left at the void deck

In a post on Sep. 14, the team reported that two large cages were found discarded at the void deck of Block 35, the same area where the cats were abandoned.

Rescuers suspect that they belonged to the person who was abandoning the cats.

At first, they hoped that this meant that no more cats would be found.

"Hopefully, it means they have cleared their stock, and this cat is the last of the cats abandoned by them."

However, new reports of cats being abandoned kept coming in till Sep. 22.

Fortunately, there have been no further reports since then.

Cats appear to be from the same family

Ashleen added that many of the cats rescued shared similar fur patterns and colours, leading them to suspect that they may have come from the same family.

This has raised concerns of an illegal backyard breeder being involved.

Rescuers also suspect that one of the cats might be pregnant.

Ashleen said that they have since filed a police report, and the National Parks Board (NParks) is currently investigating by reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.

Officers have also taken witness statements from Ashleen, along with the owner of PAC, as well as the local community cat feeder, who was the first to find most of the cats.

So far, all nine of the cats who are with PAC have gone to the vet for the necessary checks.

Of the nine, eight of them have been sterilised and microchipped.

NParks responds

In response to Mothership's queries, Jessica Kwok, Group Director of Enforcement & Investigation at NParks confirmed that they received feedback involving several alleged cases of cat abandonment around Block 35 and 36 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh.

Officers have gone down to the site and are in contact with the relevant persons involved. They are also reviewing CCTV footage as part of ongoing investigations.

Kwok also urged members of the public with information on the case to submit via this form, or call NParks' Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.

She stressed that the appropriate enforcement action will be taken against anyone who has abandoned their pet, failed to provide adequate care for it, or has committed an act of animal cruelty.

Under the Animals and Birds Act, individuals convicted of pet abandonment or failing in their duty of care to their pets can be fined up to S$10,000, 12 months' jail, or both.

Kwok also seeks to remind the public that pet ownership is "a lifelong commitment".

Owners are expected to provide safe shelter, proper food and water, as well as adequate care in line with the Code of Animal Welfare for Pet Owners.

Those who are unable to continue caring for their pets should either fine a suitable home for them, or approach an animal welfare group for help to re-home their pet.

Top photos courtesy of Ashleen