Man spotted releasing Koi fish into 'nearly dried up' drain at Ghim Moh

UPDATE on Nov. 5, 4:45pm: The article has been updated with NParks' statement.

A man was spotted releasing Koi fish into a drain near Kopitiam Corner at Ghim Moh Link on Nov. 2.

According to a Mothership reader she was heading out for dinner when she noticed a man squatting beside a drain with a blue bucket.

Upon taking a closer look, she realised he appeared to be releasing Koi fish into the drain.

It is unclear how many Koi fish he left in the drain.

Drain was "nearly dried up"

Pressed for time, the reader did not stop to confront him and continued on her way.

However, when she returned about two hours later, she found only one of the Koi fish barely alive in what she described as a "nearly dried up" drain.

One of her family members decided to rescue the fish and placed it in a temporary tank at their home.

The reader said she agreed to foster the Koi until she could find someone who was willing to adopt it, although she had no prior experience caring for Koi.

A day later, the reader provided an update that the National Parks Board (NParks) had agreed to take in the Koi fish.

NParks' response

In response to Mothership's queries, Jessica Kwok, Group Director, Enforcement & Investigation of NParks, confirmed that NParks received feedback about the alleged release of koi fish into a drain at Ghim Moh Link on Nov. 3.

Kwok emphasised that NParks treats all reports of animal abandonment and neglect seriously, and stated that the agency is currently looking into the matter.

Failing in one’s duty of care includes abandoning pets, not providing adequate food, water, or shelter, or not protecting them from harm or disease.

Under the Animals and Birds Act, first-time offenders found guilty of such neglect or abandonment can face a fine of up to $10,000, 12 months’ jail, or both.

Top photos courtesy of the Mothership reader