48-year-old man fined $2,600 for releasing three venomous stingrays into Lower Seletar Reservoir

A 48-year-old man was fined $2,600 for releasing three Motoro stingrays into Lower Seletar Reservoir.

Larry Tan Chin Guan was convicted in court yesterday (Sep 26), said the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) said in a joint statement.

Tan was fined $600 under the Public Utilities (Reservoirs, Catchment Areas and Waterway) Regulations and $2,000 for pet abandonment under AVA’s Animals and Birds Act.

In an earlier Stomp article, it was reported that the venomous stingrays were allegedly released between 3pm and 4pm on June 2.

It is an offence to release any animal, including fish, into reservoirs and waterways in Singapore. Doing so may affect the ecology of the reservoir. 

Those caught doing so are liable to prosecution under the Public Utilities (Reservoirs, Catchment Areas and Waterway) Regulations, and may be fined up to $3,000.

AVA would like to remind the public that it is irresponsible and cruel to abandon pets.

Pet owners who are unable to look after their pets should find a suitable home for them. AVA takes a stern view on pet abandonment. 

All feedback on pet abandonment will be investigated and enforcement action will be taken where necessary. 

Under AVA’s Animals and Birds Act, individuals who abandon their pets are liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or 12 months’ jail for first convictions.

Members of the public should call the PUB hotline at 1800-2255-782 (1800-CALL-PUB) if they spot any person releasing animals or things into reservoirs and waterways, or call AVA via the 24-hour hotline, 1800-476-1600, or access AVA’s website to report any cases of animal abandonment or cruelty. 

Anglers can also call PUB if they catch any stingrays when fishing at the reservoirs instead of releasing them.