In a disturbing incident that took place on December 14, 2022, a 10-year-old boy was caught on video throwing a black cat named Panther off the 22nd floor of a Housing and Development Board (HDB) block in Boon Lay.
An update about the case was provided by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) on July 28, 2023, shedding light on the subsequent actions taken to address this concerning behavior.
Understanding the Boy’s Mental State
The initial step in addressing this distressing incident involved evaluating the mental state of the young boy. A comprehensive psychiatric assessment at the Institute of Mental Health indicated that he had not yet reached a level of maturity to fully grasp the severity of his actions.
According to Jessica Kwok, AVS’s Group Director, this crucial assessment played a pivotal role in determining the most appropriate course of action for the child.
Considering the boy’s age and the outcomes of the psychiatric evaluation, AVS introduced a customized Diversionary Programme tailored specifically for him.
Carefully scheduled during the boy’s June holidays in 2023, this one-month program aimed to enlighten him on various facets of animal welfare, responsible pet care, and the significance of harmonious coexistence with animals.
The educational aspect of the rehabilitation program placed a strong emphasis on nurturing empathy and understanding within the young boy.
He received comprehensive knowledge about the importance of animal welfare and the local regulations safeguarding the well-being of animals. Additionally, he gained insights into the specific needs and behaviors of cats, particularly those living alongside human communities.
Delivering these lessons in an age-appropriate manner ensured that the boy truly comprehended the essence of treating animals with compassion and respect.
An essential component of the educational segment was instilling a sense of responsibility toward animals. The boy was made fully aware of the obligations that come with being a responsible pet owner, stressing the vital role of providing proper care, affection, and attention to pets.
By understanding the gravity of pet ownership, the boy developed a deeper awareness of the consequences of his actions, both for Panther and the community.
Complementing theoretical knowledge, the rehabilitation program incorporated practical experiences. Accompanied by his father, the boy visited a cat shelter where he actively participated in caring for the feline inhabitants.
Under the expert guidance of shelter staff, he learned essential skills such as feeding, handling, and grooming the animals. This hands-on approach facilitated a profound connection between the boy and the cats, underscoring the significance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for them.
Following successful completion of the rehabilitation program, AVS conducted an assessment, affirming that the boy had effectively absorbed the lessons. During a debriefing session, the young boy genuinely expressed remorse for his actions.
He earnestly requested AVS staff to convey his heartfelt apologies to Panther’s guardians, acknowledging his wrongdoing, and solemnly promising never to engage in such behavior again.
Recap
The incident took place at 186 Boon Lay Avenue. The CCTV’s date is 14 December 2022 at around 1.35 PM.
A child could be seen walking around outside a lift lobby and after picking up the cat and making sure no one is looking he threw the cat out of the building.
A loud bang could be heard in the video.
Viewer discretion is advised:
There have been many such cases throughout the years at Yishun, Jurong West, Ang Mo Kio, Seletar Hill Estate
Petition for justice
A petition calling for justice for the cat that was thrown down from the 22nd floor of a HDB building in Boon Lay was started by a netizen.
The petition on Change.org has since garnered more than 90,000 signatures from supporters.
The netizen, Nadya Im, said in the description of the petition: “Cat killer in Boon Lay. Brought old docile community cat up to the 22nd floor and threw it to its death. In the original video that has since been deleted, a loud bang was heard shortly after the cat was flung over. What kind of monsters are we living with???”
Netizens’ comments
- Lock him up and throw away the key, what a disgusting excuse of a human being. 10-years-old so what? Murder is murder.
- The person doing this is a murderer no matter the age. First they start with animals then they have will no conscience towards fellow human beings. Don’t let this slide
- That kitty deserves justice and I hope this kid gets the help he needs or more senseless violence will continue. His parents should answer for how this kid is so disturbed at such a young age
- The poor cat does NOT deserve such a tragic death. This is wrong.
- i’m not sure if this child is acting out because he needs attention, but what’s next for him after his torture of animals? but we need to show that this behavior is simply not socially or morally acceptable and that any form of animal cruelty will not be tolerated!
- We need tighter laws on animal cruelty no matter if the perpetrators are children or adults. From his furtive behaviour, this kid obviously is VERY much aware of his actions. No I don’t care if he is a child. He is obviously old enough to know better. There are consequences to your actions and he needs to know this.
Wanted attention from family
Following the virality of a video, the boy’s motives for doing so have since been revealed.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, a resident living in the same block named Cai Meimei (Chinese transliteration), said that the cat was named Panther.
Cai, a 47-year-old bus driver, told the Chinese daily that she was very sad about the cat’s death, and added that there had been at least 5 cats dying after falling from height in the neighbourhood.
But she couldn’t confirm if the other cats had fallen from the block themselves or were thrown down by people.
Cai said she had confronted the boy who threw Panther down from the block the next day, asking if he was the one who threw the cat down the block.
The boy had initially denied doing so but eventually admitted to his actions after Cai showed him the CCTV footage.
The boy then said that he had killed the cat because he felt a lack of love and attention at home, from his family members.
A 10-year-old boy who plays hide and seek with the now-infamous cat killer, described him as being a quiet boy who usually smiles.