Bukit Merah Flat Owner Abandons 20 Cats for 8 Days Following Sewage Pipe Burst

In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded in the late hours of 18 August 2023, a group of 20 cats found themselves in the midst of a dire situation in a Bukit Merah flat.

The Singapore Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) swung into action after receiving a distress call from their counterparts at the Cat Welfare Society (CWS).

The urgency of the matter stemmed from a sewage pipe burst that had occurred eight days prior, leaving the feline inhabitants in perilous conditions.

A Cry for Help: The Dire Situation Unveiled

In a Facebook post, the SPCA said that they were alerted to the grim situation by the vigilant members of the CWS.

The unit owner had informed them that a sewage pipe had burst eight days ago, leaking waste matter throughout the flat and creating an environment ripe for the spread of diseases and toxins.

The owner had vacated the premises, leaving the cats, including a vulnerable kitten, to fend for themselves amidst the hazardous conditions.

This negligence put the cats at a grave risk of malnutrition and poisoning, as they were exposed to the toxins present in human waste.

Upon receiving the distressing news, SPCA officers, in collaboration with CWS, rushed to the scene on the evening of 18 August. However, gaining access to the unit proved to be a time-consuming process.

It was only past midnight on 19  August that they were finally able to enter the flat and assess the gravity of the situation.

Inside, a horrifying sight awaited them: the floor was inundated with human waste, and some cats were seen drinking the contaminated liquid emanating from the sewage leak, a clear indication of their desperate thirst.

Two of the cats were confined in cages, unable to access any food or water, exacerbating their plight.

Realizing the severity of the situation, the SPCA immediately contacted the authorities to facilitate the rescue and rehabilitation of the stranded cats.

The SPCA expressed their gratitude towards the CWS and the authorities, acknowledging the collective efforts that spanned a grueling 12-hour operation.

AVS Now Probing

Following the rescue, the cats were found to be in poor condition, with no signs of any food or clean water available in the house, as described by CWS president Thenuga Vijakumar.

The cats are now under the care of Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), where they are receiving the necessary medical attention. They are also investigating it as an alleged case of animal neglect.

Expressing deep concern for the health of the cats, SPCA executive director Aarthi Sankar assured that they are committed to assisting the authorities in rehoming the cats once they clear all health checks.

Meanwhile, AVS group director Jessica Kwok emphasized the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. She sternly reminded pet owners to adhere to the standard of care for their pets, which includes providing a safe shelter and regular access to suitable food and water.

She warned that enforcement action would be taken against those found guilty of animal cruelty or failing to provide adequate care for their pets.