SINGAPORE — A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 weeks in jail after 71 cats were left in a Bukit Panjang flat for nearly two years, with nine eventually dying amid severe neglect and inadequate care.
Muhammad Khairul Naim Zainol was also disqualified from owning animals for 12 months, according to Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks).
He pleaded guilty to 24 charges under the Animals and Birds Act for permitting unnecessary pain and suffering to be caused to the cats. Another 47 charges were taken into consideration during sentencing.
Cats Left Behind After Owners Moved Out
Khairul and his then-wife bought the Housing Board flat in Bukit Panjang in March 2018. They did not own cats at the time.
From early 2019, however, the couple acquired several cats. Because the animals were not sterilised, their numbers grew rapidly despite attempts to rehome some of them.
Around April 2022, the couple moved out to stay with Khairul’s parents. The cats remained in the flat.
The property’s electricity and water supply were subsequently cut off because of unpaid utility bills.
Khairul said he initially returned to provide dry food and water. He later began leaving supplies at the doorstep and said he last entered the unit in December 2023. Investigators found that the cats had effectively been left without adequate care for approximately 22 months, from April 2022 until February 2024.
Neighbours’ Alert Revealed the Situation
The situation came to light on Feb. 20, 2024, after neighbours alerted authorities about a skinny and distressed cat seen on an air-conditioning ledge.
The cat was rescued by neighbours and taken for veterinary assessment.
Around the same time, police had received a separate complaint about an odour coming from the flat. Officers from Singapore’s Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) and the police subsequently inspected the unit.
They found 61 live cats, along with three cat carcasses, six skulls and a bag containing skeletal remains belonging to at least six other cats.
Including the cat rescued from the ledge, 62 live cats were recovered. Khairul subsequently surrendered the animals to AVS.
Veterinary Assessment Revealed Severe Neglect
The flat was described in court documents as being in severely poor and unsanitary condition.
Veterinary assessments found that all 61 cats examined had experienced pain and suffering. Forty-four were assessed as thin or very thin, while nine were severely emaciated. Almost all were dehydrated.
The cats also suffered problems including parasite-related hair loss and ear-mite infections, while some had respiratory or other health problems.
One cat was photographed drinking from a toilet bowl containing dirty water, highlighting the lack of an adequate fresh-water supply.
Veterinarians also found that the cats had been forced to compete for limited food and water in a confined environment, contributing to chronic stress and poor welfare.
Nine Cats Died
Nine of the 71 cats ultimately died.
The discovery of carcasses and skeletal remains inside the flat was among the findings that prompted authorities to investigate the animals’ prolonged neglect.
The case underscores the responsibilities that come with keeping animals, particularly when the number of pets grows beyond an owner’s ability to provide adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care.
Singapore’s Animal-Welfare Rules
Under Singapore’s Animals and Birds Act, people convicted of causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal can face imprisonment, a fine, or both. NParks states that first-time offenders who fail in their duty of care can face up to S$10,000 in fines and/or 12 months’ jail, while acts of animal cruelty can carry penalties of up to S$15,000 and/or 18 months’ jail.
Khairul’s former wife, who was also charged in connection with the case, is due to have her case heard on Oct. 6, 2026.
A Warning for Pet Owners
NParks has stressed that owning a pet is a lifelong responsibility. Owners who can no longer care for their animals are encouraged to seek suitable homes or approach animal welfare groups for rehoming assistance.
The Bukit Panjang case has put a stark spotlight on what can happen when that responsibility breaks down — and why early intervention can be crucial when large numbers of animals are involved.
For the 71 cats left behind, the consequences lasted far longer than the owners’ decision to leave the flat.
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
