4 rabbits abandoned in Bukit Panjang and Ang Mo Kio in a week: SPCA
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Two rabbits died after they were abandoned in a cage at a washing area in Ang Mo Kio on Dec 3.
PHOTO: SPCA SINGAPORE/ FACEBOOK
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SINGAPORE – Four rabbits were believed to have been abandoned in a week, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said on Dec 10.
In a Facebook post, SPCA said it was first informed that two rabbits had been spotted at Zhenghua Nature Park in Bukit Panjang on Nov 29.
SPCA said its animal rescue officer and volunteers from private rabbit rescue group Bunny Wonderland rescued the rabbits, which have been named Zayne and Zenni.
They were placed under the care of Bunny Wonderland.
Two rescued rabbits, which have been named Zayne and Zenni, have been placed under the care of Bunny Wonderland.
PHOTO: SPCA SINGAPORE/FACEBOOK
In a separate incident on Dec 3, two rabbits were found abandoned in a cage at a washing area in Ang Mo Kio.
SPCA said the rabbits, which were found at Block 470 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, were visibly frightened and had severe skin issues.
The rabbits were taken to the society’s clinic for treatment and were diagnosed with scabies, a highly contagious disease.
The rabbits found at Block 407 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 were visibly frightened and had severe skin issues.
PHOTO: SPCA SINGAPORE/FACEBOOK
One of the rabbits had a cardiac arrest during examination and died, while the other died on Dec 10, SPCA said.
Photos shared on SPCA’s Facebook page show the rabbits with overgrown nails and hyper-keratinised, dried crusty lesions on their ears.
Photos shared on SPCA’s Facebook page show the rabbits with hyper-keratinised, dried crusty lesions on their ears, and overgrown nails.
PHOTO: SPCA SINGAPORE/FACEBOOK
SPCA told The Straits Times it has escalated the case to the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) under the National Parks Board (NParks), adding that the authorities are investigating both cases of abandonment.
“Rabbits are extremely vulnerable animals and their chances of survival in the wild are very slim,” it added.
Ms Jessica Kwok, NParks’ group director of enforcement & investigation, confirmed in a statement on Dec 13 that it is investigating the two cases of alleged rabbit abandonment.
She said that NParks takes all cases related to animal welfare seriously and will investigate any feedback that it receives.
“We will take appropriate enforcement action against anyone who has abandoned their pet, failed to provide adequate care for it, or has committed an act of animal cruelty,” she added.
One of the two rabbits found at Block 470 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 had a cardiac arrest during examination and died, while the other died on Dec 10.
PHOTO: SPCA SINGAPORE/ FACEBOOK
Those who suspect that an animal has been abandoned should try to secure it if it is safe to do so or keep watch until help arrives, SPCA said. They may also take photos or videos of the situation.
Members of the public may report suspected cases of animal cruelty to NParks or provide potential evidence via its website,
SPCA investigated 862 cases of animal cruelty and welfare concerns between July 2022 and June 2023.
The figure is the highest in 11 years.
In that same period, the society helped 266 abandoned animals – a sharp increase from a yearly average of up to 70 cases in previous years.
