Between June 3 and 26, 2024, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) received a disturbing series of reports involving nine cats from Mei Ling Street, suspected to be victims of poisoning. It is believed that the poisonings were likely intended for other species classified as pests, such as pigeons or rodents.
Tragically, five of the affected cats have succumbed to their injuries, and their bodies have been handed over to the authorities for post-mortem examination. The SPCA is urging community cat feeders and members of the public to remain vigilant and report any similar cases in their areas immediately to their 24/7 emergency hotline (6287 5355 ext. 9).
Here is what SPCA:
NINE CATS FROM MEI LING STREET SUSPECTED VICTIMS OF POISONING
Between 3 June and 26 June 2024, the SPCA received four cases involving nine cats from Mei Ling Street, whom we suspect to be victims of poisoning. These are likely to be poisons intended for other species classified as pests, e.g. pigeons or rodents.
Five of the cats have passed on and their bodies have been handed over to the authorities for post-mortem examination. We urge community cat feeders and members of the public to alert us immediately at our 24/7 emergency hotline (6287 5355 ext. 9) if they encounter similar cases in their areas.
The SPCA appeals to pest control agencies and members of the public to consider humane population control measures. Culling measures have been shown to be ineffective, inhumane, and indiscriminate as they may impact other unintended animal victims.
Moreover, they may not solve the problem of overpopulation since more of the species will move in to fill the spaces left by those who were killed. This is especially true of pigeons. Instead, we advocate for humane control methods such as removing their food sources and exclusionary measures.
Compassion
This incident highlights the need for a more humane approach to pest control. The SPCA is appealing to pest control agencies and the general public to consider alternative, non-lethal methods to manage pest populations. Culling measures have been proven to be ineffective, inhumane, and indiscriminate, as they can harm unintended animal victims.
Furthermore, such measures do not address the root cause of overpopulation, as new individuals will simply move in to fill the vacant spaces left by those that were killed. This is particularly true in the case of pigeons. Instead, the SPCA advocates for humane control methods, such as removing food sources and implementing exclusionary measures.
By adopting a more compassionate and sustainable approach to pest control, we can work together to create a safer and more harmonious environment for all animals. The SPCA urges everyone to report any suspected cases of animal poisoning and to support humane population control measures.