SINGAPORE — Following two separate incidents where cats fell to their deaths from the same apartment block in Bukit Panjang, animal welfare advocates are calling for cat owners to adopt stricter safety measures. Both incidents occurred at Block 646A Senja Close, happening just a month apart and stirring concerns among local residents and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
The incidents came to light through a post on the Facebook group Complaint Singapore last Thursday. The post, authored by user Alisha Farisya Love, included distressing images of the deceased cats, both adorned with similar pink collars, and expressed frustration over the lack of accountability from residents.
Responding to inquiries from Yahoo Southeast Asia, the SPCA revealed that they were only made aware of the second incident, which was reported by a local resident who heard a loud thud around 9.30 pm Wednesday, and subsequently discovered the lifeless body of a cat wearing a collar.
Aarthi Sankar, SPCA’s executive director, commented, “We were alerted by a resident about the deceased cat found beneath her block at Blk 646A Senja Close. Although the collar bore no identifying details, it mirrors a situation reported on social media concerning another cat with a similar pink collar that fell from the same block a month earlier.”
The latest case has been escalated to authorities for further investigation, as concerns grow over what is now suspected to be a recurring issue at the location.
To combat such tragedies, the SPCA has issued recommendations for cat owners to secure their homes with fully meshed doors, gates, and windows to prevent their pets from wandering outdoors and risking falls. Sankar emphasized the importance of keeping cats indoors, stating, “Sudden noises can spook cats, causing them to flee toward an exit and potentially fall from a height. Research indicates that cats kept indoors exclusively tend to live longer due to reduced exposure to outdoor hazards, including high-rise syndrome. Ensuring the safety of our pets is a responsibility we must take seriously.”
In addition to the SPCA’s efforts, Yahoo Southeast Asia has reached out to the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) for further comments on the matter.
