NParks investigating alleged animal cruelty involving boy who stepped on stingrays

The National Parks Board (NParks) is investigating a case involving a boy who was seen stepping on two stingrays in a video circulating online.

The 11-second video posted on Instagram on Tuesday (June 7) also shows the boy, who was clad in slippers, moving the stingrays with his feet.

It is unclear when or where the profanity-laden video was taken.

Netizens subsequently identified what they believed to be the boy's social media account and noted how he had a "kill count" for motoro stingrays.

In response to a Stomp query, Ms Jessica Kwok, Group Director of the Animal & Veterinary Service at NParks, said it takes all feedback received from the public on animal cruelty seriously and will look into the cases reported.

Ms Kwok said in a statement on Monday (June 13): "We were concerned when alerted to the alleged case of animal cruelty on June 7 and are investigating the reported case.

"Safeguarding animal welfare is a shared social responsibility. While AVS continues to ensure that the necessary enforcement action is taken and raise awareness on animal welfare, members of the public can play a part by promptly reporting suspected cases of animal cruelty to AVS.

"If members of the public have information relating to this case, please contact us via our website at www.avs.gov.sg/feedback or call us via our Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.

"As with all investigations, all forms of evidence are critical to the process, and photographic and/or video-graphic evidence provided by the public will help. Information shared with AVS will be kept strictly confidential.

"Under the Animals and Bird Act, individuals found guilty of animal cruelty may be liable to a fine of up to $15,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 18 months."