The alleged killing of a wild chicken in a Singapore park has sparked concerns about the legality and consequences of such actions. A witness, Joel Lee, shared photos on the Nature Society Singapore Facebook group of a man carrying a lifeless chicken while walking through the park. Lee questioned if the man would face any consequences for his actions, as it is illegal to kill, trap, or take wildlife without approval from the Director-General/Wildlife Management.
First-time offenders can be fined up to S$10,000, jailed up to six months, or both. Heavier penalties are applied to those who poach protected wildlife or employees working for animal-related agencies.
Acres co-CEO Anbarasi Boopal, also known as Anbu, confirmed that it is illegal to remove animals from the wild without the relevant approval from NParks. Acres will file a report on the case shortly.
This incident is not the first of its kind in Singapore. In June 2020, a family of four was alleged to have abducted 20 wild chickens in Sembawang using fishing nets over a period of three days.
While some have pointed out that chickens are often slaughtered for human consumption or culled, it is still illegal to kill, trap, or take wildlife without proper approval. The Wildlife Act is in place to protect wildlife and ensure their well-being, and any violations of the Act can result in serious consequences.
The incident has sparked a debate among Singaporeans about the treatment of wild chickens in the country. Some have expressed concern about the impact of human activity on wildlife populations, while others have pointed out that wild chickens can be a nuisance and pose a public health risk.
According to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), wild chickens can carry diseases such as avian influenza, which can be transmitted to humans. The AVA has implemented measures to control the spread of these diseases, including culling chickens in affected areas.
However, some argue that culling may not be the most effective solution and that coexistence with wild chickens is possible. They suggest that education and awareness campaigns can help reduce the negative impact of wild chickens on human communities.
The incident has also highlighted the importance of respecting wildlife and their habitats. Wild animals play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, and their protection is essential for biodiversity conservation.
The Singapore government has implemented various measures to protect wildlife, including the Wildlife Act and the Parks and Trees Act. These laws aim to regulate activities that may harm wildlife and their habitats, as well as to promote conservation and education.
In response to the incident, NParks has reminded the public that it is illegal to remove animals from the wild without proper approval. NParks also encourages the public to report any incidents of wildlife disturbance or harm to the authorities.