SINGAPORE — A Singaporean woman has been jailed for two weeks for failing to take care of her 39 pet cats, resulting in the death of five of them, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) said on Tuesday (Nov 8).
Roslina Roslani, 34, who faced additional drug-related charges, faces a total jail term of five years, six months and four weeks. She was sentenced on Monday.
The AVA said it had received public feedback earlier this year about “animal smell nuisance”, like faecal odour, from a unit at Block 207 Yishun Street 21.
It inspected the unit on Feb 25, and found the 39 cats, all of which were in poor physical condition and health.
The cats were surrendered to the AVA.
However, four died not too long after as a result of underlying medical conditions. Another cat in bad health had to be euthanised.
The remaining 34 cats are now under the care of the Cat Welfare Society for rehoming.
The AVA said it “condemns acts of animal cruelty including neglect resulting in the welfare of the animals being compromised”.
Individuals who commit the offence are liable to a maximum fine of S$15,000 and/or 18 months jail term for first convictions, it added.
“Hoarding of pets may also cause public safety, nuisance and hygiene issues to the community, such as pests. AVA urges pet owners not to hoard animals, and be responsible and considerate pet owners so as not to cause inconvenience to the community,” AVA said
