Boy caught on video throwing cat from 22nd floor of Boon Lay HDB block

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is working closely with the authorities to investigate an incident where a boy was caught on video throwing a community cat from a Housing Board (HDB) block in Boon Lay.

Facebook user Feline posted footage of the incident and said it happened on the 22nd floor of Block 186 Boon Lay Avenue.

The timestamp on the video states it happened on December 14 at about 1.35pm.

In the video, a cat and a boy are seen exiting a lift at the block.

The boy chases after the cat and picks it up before flinging it over the railings.

The boy's actions were shocking and the Facebook user described his behaviour as "sickening and disgusting".

"Serial killers usually start with abusing animals first," she said.

"Regardless of his age, I hope he is punished by law.

"That poor cat doesn't deserve to die this tragic way.

"Really heart pain!

"Here we are rescuing cats, and there he is killing cats!"

She added that she shared the video to create awareness and to "be the voice for the voiceless".

Netizens expressed shock and horror at what the boy did.

The police confirmed with Stomp that a report was lodged regarding the incident.

In response to a Stomp query, Ms Aarthi Sankar, executive director at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said they were alerted to the incident on Dec 15 by a feedback provider.

"We have also visited the boy’s family for further investigation," she said.

"The case has since been escalated to the relevant authorities for necessary action.  

"The actions of the boy are deeply disturbing and the SPCA strongly stands against any form of cruelty towards animals.

"We are saddened that the cat has succumbed to its injuries after falling from height.

"The SPCA will work closely with the authorities to investigate the case and concurrently counsel the child.

"While cases of animal abuse by children are not as common as other forms of neglect and abuse, instances like these prove that it is vital to teach children empathy and compassion for all sentient beings from a young age."

If members of the public witness an act of cruelty or neglect of an animal resulting in injury, welfare issues, death, or abandonment of an animal, call the police (999) and SPCA’s 24/7 hotline, 6287 5355 Ext. 9 immediately for emergency assistance.

Alternatively, they can fill in SPCA's cruelty complaint form here.

All identities will be kept strictly confidential.

"Our inspectorate will require evidence (photos/videos) from eyewitnesses and exact addresses to be able to work with the authorities," Ms Sankar said.

"Hence, we recommend you also alert AVS via their feedback portal or 24/7 hotline 1800-476-1600."

Ms Sankar added that the SPCA does not currently have the legal rights to seize people's pets, rehome people's pets without their owner's permission, prosecute offenders or request for and/or view CCTV footage.

"Do also not that if the animal is dead, do not move the body," she said.

"Note the exact location (street name/bus stop number/lamp post number/etc).

"Take a picture of the animal, the surrounding area, the car plate number, etc."