AVA probes ‘hoarding’ of 94 cats rescued from 2-room flat

SINGAPORE — The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is investigating a case in which 94 cats, mostly Siamese, were kept in cramped conditions in a two-room flat in Fernvale Link.

The cats appeared to be in poor condition, with matted fur, eye infections, flu, and wounds, among other afflictions, according to the Cat Welfare Society (CWS), which rescued the animals with a group of volunteers yesterday.

From Facebook Live videos of the operation posted yesterday, the walls of the unit appeared stained, with dozens of cats with dirty fur roaming around the place. The living room had a bed, two metal fans, two wooden benches, and several plastic containers stacked against a wall.

In response to TODAY’s queries, an AVA spokesperson said it is aware of the “cat hoarding case”.

“As there are alleged welfare issues, AVA is investigating,” the spokesperson added.

CWS executive director Laura Ann Meranda said they found out about the cats last week. According to a Facebook page, Saving the Siameses, the cats were allegedly kept by a backyard breeder who could no longer afford to care for the animals.

The rescue operation spanned about four hours.

The Facebook Live videos that documented the rescue operation showed rescuers entering the home, with several cats being seen on and under the bed, perched on wooden benches, and on top of several container boxes.

Some of the cats were shown being put into carriers to be taken away for sterilisation or medical treatment. In all, 17 of the cats were sent to Mount Pleasant Vet Centre (Mandai) for treatment.

One of the posts on the Facebook page said the cats would be housed at the Pet Boarding Centre before potential fosterers step forward.

“We do not wish to pass (the cats) over in haste as many (potential adopters) will come forward out of sympathy, not knowing what they are landing themselves into.

“Of course the boarding is not long term, as ultimately the aim is to rehome (the cats) to let them start afresh. They deserve a good loving home,” the administrator of the Facebook page added.