Animal cruelty a serious concern for the community

I refer to the report “Cat Welfare Society raises ‘high alert’ as more cats found dead in Yishun” (TODAYonline, Oct 10). Such acts of violence against small animals is a cause of concern for the community at large.

Firstly, animal cruelty is a criminal offence under section 42 of the Animals and Birds Act (Cap. 7). The increase in the number of these cases suggests that the perpetrator/perpetrators has/have a blatant disregard for the law and have become bolder.

Secondly, studies have found that those with a history of repeated acts of intentional violence towards animals are at a higher risk of exhibiting similar violence against humans in the future.

In November 2014, during the second parliamentary reading of the Animals and Birds Act (Amendment) Bill, Member of Parliament Lee Bee Wah said: “Animal cruelty is not a minor personality flaw that one should carelessly write off. Various sources, like Alberta SPCA, UK-based anti-domestic-violence NGO Equation and Envision Counselling and Support Centre (have found) that animal cruelty (is linked) to domestic violence and possibly other types of aggression ... How can we be assured that violence and cruelty an abuser exhibits towards animals will not, one day, come to haunt a child, a weaker human?”

Thus, the recent acts of animal cruelty is a serious cause of concern for the Yishun community that has to be addressed. Can the AVA inform the public of any progress in their investigations, and if so, whether any enforcement action has been taken?

Has the AVA stepped up on its investigation and enforcement efforts — such as increase in patrols in the area — given the possibility that these offenders may commit other serious crimes against the community? Does the AVA have a framework for working with various animal welfare groups in their investigations?

If not, can the AVA do more to enhance cooperation with such groups to tackle animal cruelty cases?