There has been a disturbing increase in animal abuse cases in Singapore, where "deterrence" is widely known as a reason for low crime rates. 

The SPCA reported 961 confirmed cases of cruelty and welfare in 2024, involving 2,190 animal victims. This is the highest number of cases recorded in 12 years.

Most recently, on the 9th of May, a dear community cat "King Kong" was disembowelled and his eyes gouged out, his body left on the road, possibly to make it appear like roadkill. 

A pet poodle, "Boyboy", was beaten and suspended on a balcony railing under direct sunlight. He was found dead, and the perpetrator was sentenced to only 9 months in jail in November 2024. 

Five community cats were abused (kicked & suffocated), and two of them were thrown down HDB blocks to their deaths in October 2024. The perpetrator, who had major depressive disorder, was sentenced to only 14 months in jail. The judge mentioned that the 24-month jail term sought by the prosecution had appeared to be "somewhat excessive". 

According to the Animals and Birds Act 1965, a first-time offender can be fined up to $15,000, and/or be imprisoned for up to 18 months (Animals and Birds Act 1965). This is a relatively short maximum sentence when compared to that of child abuse, where an offender can receive a fine of up to $8,000 or a maximum jail term of 8 years, or both. If the offender had caused the death of a child, they can receive a fine of up to $40,000 or a maximum jail term of 14 years, or both (Children and Young Persons Act 1993).

The act of animal abuse may be seen as less of a moral transgression than child abuse. However, like the child, the animal is sentient. Moreover, it has long been known that animal cruelty can be used as an indicator of criminal behaviour toward humans (Macdonald, 1963).

Mahatma Gandhi once said that “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”. The current laws safeguarding animal welfare in Singapore need to be revised amidst the growing cases of horrific animal abuse to reflect zero tolerance for this abhorrent behaviour. Sign this petition to urge lawmakers to implement stricter laws to protect the beloved community animals and pets in Singapore. 

References: 

Macdonald, J.M. (1963). The Threat to Kill. American Journal of Psychiatry, 120(2), pp.125–130. doi:https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.120.2.125

SPCA Singapore (2024). Animal Cruelty & Welfare Report 2024. [online] Available at: https://spca.org.sg/downloads/ANIMAL_CRUELTY_&_WELFARE_REPORT_2024.pdf