Covered in urine and stains: More than 20 rabbits including newborns found in Seletar, allegedly abandoned by couple

Many rabbits were found in poor condition after being allegedly abandoned by a couple in cardboard boxes in Seletar.

Speaking to AsiaOne, Derrick Tan, founder of Voices For Animals (VFA), said that he received a call at around 11.45pm on Friday (Sept 18) about rabbits spotted at 29 Seletar Farmway 1.

There were more than 20 rabbits, with some hiding in the cardboard boxes allegedly used to dump them there.

Photos and videos uploaded by Tan on social media show multiple boxes left by the roadside, with rabbits roaming around the street.

Another video shared by Tan shows newborns in some of the boxes.

"The surrounding terrain was wet and damp after the heavy downpour, and the condition of the rabbits we found was heartbreaking," Tan said, adding that some of them had matted fur covered in urine and stains, while some were found with wounds.

@asiaone More than 20 rabbits, including newborns, were allegedly abandoned by a couple in cardboard boxes in Seletar on Friday (Sept 18). #sgnews #Singapore #Rabbits ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

In an Instagram story on Saturday, he said that the couple who allegedly abandoned the rabbits have been identified, and that their actions have been caught on camera by vehicles parked nearby.

A report with the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) has been filed, with all evidence and the couple's identity included in the report, Tan said.

"I hope the owner can just turn himself into the nearest police station before the officers come knocking," he added.

A total of 23 rabbits were found at the scene, Tan told AsiaOne, adding that VFA is working with AVS and The Animal Doctors, who will send a team of vets to examine the rabbits

"For those who think dumping an animal somewhere is an easy way to get rid of a problem — it is not," he said.

4 of 7 rescued kits have died: NParks

In response to AsiaOne's queries, NParks' group director of enforcement and investigation Jessica Kwok, said that NParks was alerted to the incident on Sept 19.

"On Sept 21, AVS worked with VFA and Dr Cathy Chan, co-founder of The Animal Doctors, and her veterinary team to conduct medical assessments of the rescued animals," Kwok said, adding that some rabbits were found with health issues including overgrown nails and skin conditions.

As at Sept 22, four of the seven rescued kits have died.

Kwok said: "NParks takes all cases of alleged animal abandonment seriously and investigates all feedback received where sufficient information is available. We will take appropriate enforcement action against anyone who has abandoned their pet, failed to provide adequate care for it, or has committed an act of animal cruelty."

Individuals found guilty of failure in duty of care to their pets can be charged under the Animals and Birds Act.

First-time offenders can face a maximum fine of $10,000, a jail term of up to 12 months, or both.

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