Boy who threw cat off 22nd floor of HDB block issued stern warning: AVS

SINGAPORE — A 10-year-old boy who threw a community cat off a housing block in December last year has been issued a stern warning, after completing a diversionary programme conducted by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS).

The incident came to light after a video was posted on Facebook showing the boy throwing the male cat off a 22nd-floor ledge, resulting in the feline's death.

AVS' group director, Jessica Kwok, shared in a statement on Friday (28 July) that the boy now understands the gravity of his actions, and has expressed "remorse and apology" to the cat's caregivers.

After undergoing a psychiatric assessment by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), the boy was found "not to have attained sufficient maturity" to fully comprehend the nature and consequences of his actions, added Kwok.

Boy's rehabilitation programme included sessions at cat shelter

Kwok explained that the decision to enrol the boy in a one-month diversionary programme came after consultation with the Attorney-General's Chambers, taking into account the boy's age and psychiatric evaluation.

The programme focused on rehabilitation, aiming to educate the boy about animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of caring for animals within the community.

It included age-appropriate lessons on animal welfare, laws protecting animal health and welfare in Singapore, as well as the needs and behaviour of cats.

The boy also underwent practical sessions at a cat shelter, where he learned how to properly care for cats, including feeding, handling, and grooming them.

Throughout the programme, the boy's father accompanied him.

Upon completing the programme in June, AVS said it concluded that the boy had satisfactorily grasped the impact of his actions.

Kwok said: "He wanted to convey his remorse and apology to the cat's caregivers, and said that he would not do it again. Upon the boy's completion of the programme, AVS issued a stern warning to him, and will continue to work with his school to monitor his progress."

AVS addresses allegations of boy's involvement in other cases

CNA reported that during a briefing with reporters, Kwok also addressed questions regarding allegations that the boy involved in the cat abuse case was also implicated in other similar incidents within the same neighbourhood.

She stated that there were no other reports of the boy being involved in other cases. Had they received any feedback, AVS would have investigated them promptly, she said.

Kwok mentioned that AVS identified and spoke to the boy and his mother shortly after receiving the initial report about the cat abuse incident.

The process leading to the decision of the diversionary programme took approximately four months.

AVS put forth its findings and recommendations to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) during this period, and the AGC agreed that the diversionary programme was the most appropriate course of action for the boy's case, she added.

The programme's timing was also taken into consideration, and it was scheduled to coincide with the June school holidays to minimise any disruptions to the boy's education.

Other alleged cat abuse incidents still under investigation

Regarding other similar cases, Kwok provided updates on two incidents.

The first involved a teenager caught engaging in inappropriate behaviour with a cat along an HDB block corridor in April, which is currently being investigated by the police.

The second case involved several pet cats found caged and abandoned in a rental flat on Jalan Minyak in June, and investigations are still ongoing.

She stressed that AVS investigators rely on direct eyewitnesses, CCTV footage, and veterinary reports since the victims, the animals, cannot speak for themselves.

Firm stance against animal cruelty

In her statement, Kwok also emphasised that AVS does not condone the mistreatment of pets and community animals, and they will take appropriate enforcement action against those who fail to provide adequate care for their pets or engage in animal cruelty.

Under the Animal and Birds Act, first-time offenders caught abusing an animal can face charges in court, with possible penalties of up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to S$15,000, or both.

Additionally, those who neglect their duty of care to their pets may be fined up to $10,000, imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both. Offenders may also be banned from owning an animal for up to 12 months, in addition to any other sentence imposed.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected cases of animal cruelty to AVS via their website or Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 as part of a collective effort to protect and promote animal welfare in Singapore.

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