NParks Investigates Alleged Animal Cruelty after Western Singapore Condo Drains Pond with Live Fish

By
Siti Hajar
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NParks is investigating a case of alleged animal cruelty after a condominium in western Singapore drained a pond for cleaning while live fish were still inside, leading to their suffocation.

Condo Pond Drainage Leads to Fish Suffocation

A video posted by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) on 25 Mar 2025 shows fish struggling at the bottom of a drained pond at a condominium in western Singapore.

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The footage captures several species of fish, including tilapias, plecos (sucker fish), and stingrays, twitching and gasping for breath in the dried-out pond.

One stingray can be seen frantically circling in the soil, while a worker at another section of the pond tosses dead and dying fish onto the nearby path.

According to ACRES, the pond had existed for 25 years before this incident.

ACRES stated that while the condominium management made efforts to rehome the red-eared sliders (terrapins) from the pond, no provisions were made for the fish, who were left to struggle and discarded alive.

The animal welfare group added that this was allegedly carried out under the instructions of the condominium’s management.

NParks Investigation and Fish Sentience Concerns

The National Parks Board (NParks) has confirmed it was alerted to this case of alleged animal cruelty occurring during a pond-cleaning exercise at a condominium in western Singapore.

“NParks takes all cases related to animal welfare seriously and investigates all feedback received. We will take appropriate enforcement action against anyone who has committed an act of animal cruelty and abuse,” NParks said in response to queries by The Straits Times.

ACRES’ animal crime investigation unit has formally filed a case on the incident with NParks. The group has not disclosed specific details, including the location of the condominium.

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In its Facebook post, ACRES cited fish conservation and welfare expert Dr Naomi Clark-Shen, who stated that research has shown fish are capable of experiencing stress and feeling pain.

The animal protection charity highlighted that ornamental fish are suffering “due to a lack of understanding that fish are sentient beings.”

ACRES emphasized that fish owners, breeders, and sellers have a duty to ensure the care and welfare of fish, while the Government, businesses, and general public must work to prevent such unnecessary suffering.

“We find it deeply troubling that the pond clearing was carried out in such an manner, causing pain and suffering,” ACRES added.

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Siti Hajar