Group seeking funds for injured cat

It has raised only $2,000 out of $7,000 for cat likely to be 18th victim of abusers in Yishun

Oli was found under a car with two broken legs at Block 170, Yishun Avenue 7, last Friday. Its injuries are believed to have been deliberately inflicted. Sixteen cats - mostly strays - have been found dead and one injured in the estate in the last th
Oli was found under a car with two broken legs at Block 170, Yishun Avenue 7, last Friday. Its injuries are believed to have been deliberately inflicted. Sixteen cats - mostly strays - have been found dead and one injured in the estate in the last three months. PHOTO: YISHUN 326 TABBY CAT FACEBOOK GROUP

A cat welfare group is raising funds for a stray cat found with serious injuries in Yishun - believed to be the 18th recent victim of a group of animal abusers in the area.

Oli was found under a car with two broken legs at Block 170, Yishun Avenue 7, last Friday. Its injuries are believed to have been deliberately inflicted.

Sixteen cats - mostly strays - have been found dead and one injured in the neighbourhood in the last three months. Local cat interest group Yishun 326 Tabby Cat had first appealed for information on Oli's whereabouts on Facebook.

"The extent of her injuries are very consistent with previous abuse cases in Yishun, as verified by the vet," said the Facebook's group founder Janet Sum, 53. "It isn't just an ordinary accident, because there was no bleeding from her body, any wounds or abrasions. She suffered trauma that was deliberate and carried out with great impact."

Other cats were found with severe trauma to the head and back, injuries to intestinal organs, gouged eyes and chopped limbs.

Oli was taken to Mount Pleasant Hospital, where it underwent a "difficult surgery" that required a CT scan, with internal and external plates and pins fixed. Ms Sum, who has decided to foster Oli, said: "She needed repair to both of her legs, which were badly damaged. A pin snapped soon after the surgery, but the vets have worked quickly to replace it and I'm happy with the outcome. She is also starting to eat."

Oli's condition has since stabilised and it was slated to be discharged last night. Last Friday, the group began appealing for funds to support Oli's medical expenses, which include surgery and hospitalisation fees. As of yesterday, it had raised only $2,000 of the $7,000 needed.

Meanwhile, cat welfare activists here have called for more to be done to catch the perpetrators of crimes against animals. The Cat Welfare Society's (CWS) Ms Veron Lau said: "We hope the same resources applied to vandalism and grievous hurt cases will be similarly applied to cases related to animal cruelty."

On Saturday, the CWS met 25 animal welfare activists, who have asked for a higher penalty for animal cruelty, which currently stands at a maximum jail term of 18 months, fine of up to $15,000 or both.

Participants also called for technology and resources available to the police to be made available to those handling crimes involving animals.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is investigating Oli's case. Members of the public with information can call the AVA on 1800-476-1600.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 24, 2015, with the headline Group seeking funds for injured cat. Subscribe