As much as we wish otherwise, animal cruelty is happening.
In fact, it could be happening right now, to a domestic cat, a domestic dog or worse, your friend.
And unfortunately, it’s something we can’t stop.
But just how bad is the situation, you wonder.
Well, if you insist on knowing.
1,200 Animal Cruelty & Abuse Cases Investigated Yearly Since 2017
Between 2017 and 2020, there have been close to 1,200 alleged cases of animal cruelty and abuse…
On a yearly basis.
The statistics were unveiled by National Development Minister Desmond Lee on Monday (13 September 2021).
Despite the numbers, however, only a fraction was condemned. Indeed, out of thousands of possible cases, only 260-odd offenders were apprehended or warned in one way or another.
Since 2017, 26 have faced imprisonment; 40 have faced charges in court and fines; 113 were handed compound fines. As for the rest, they received warning letters.
Of these enforced cases, around 30 per cent were linked to animal cruelty.
The remainder entails pet owners who have effectively failed in their line of duty: this includes acts such as failing to secure windows to prevent cat-falling incidents and keeping small mammals outside one’s residence.
But before you throw a fit, do not misunderstand. Though no enforcement was taken in other cases, the National Parks Board (NParks) did not by any means ignore them. Rather, the lack of enforcement simply stemmed from the nature of the other cases.
Apart from public disputes, such cases also include disturbances by pets or even accidental deaths of community animals. These are believed to constitute 95 per cent of all investigated cases.
For the record, investigations aren’t half-assed either. Officers would regularly collate data from relevant sources, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.
As they have to go through hours of footage, this could mean a particularly time-consuming process.
Indeed, simple investigations could take as long as two months to conclude, while more complex cases could take more than eight months.
It also doesn’t help that these animals can’t talk.
Warning
NParks has since reiterated that anyone who either fails to take reasonable care of their pet or has gone through with an act of animal cruelty will be punished accordingly.
For failing in the duty of care to their pets, offenders could face a fine of up to S$10,000, a jail term of up to 12 months, or both.
For committing animal cruelty, offenders can face a fine of up to S$15,000, a jail term of up to 18 months, or both.
For repeat offences, offenders can face a maximum fine of up to S$30,000, an imprisonment term of up to three years, or both.
If you wish to report any possible cases, you can do so here.
Meanwhile, pet owners can click here to learn more about the due responsibilities that come with being a pet owner.
To learn more about how vile animal cruelty can be, you can click here for ten horrifying cases that would trigger even the most peace-oriented individual.
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