Dead, rotting and neglected hamsters found at Hougang block common area, several left for days without food or water

A severe case of neglect was reported at Hougang, involving several hamsters left for days without food or water, the dead hamsters caged with the living ones.

Non-profit and all-volunteer animal welfare group Hamster Society Singapore (HSS) shared a “nightmare for every animal lover” on Instagram on Sunday (June 5). Several Syrian and dwarf hamsters were found in the common area of 709 Hougang Avenue 2.

“We do not usually interfere in these cases; however, we found out that they had not been given food or water in days, we had to intervene,” said the HSS.

When the volunteers arrived at the scene, it was worse than they had imagined.

“Dead, rotting hamsters in the same cage as living ones. Maggot-filled carcasses, mummified carcasses with nothing left but skin and bones with a stench of death and ammonia from pee and poo,” wrote HSS.

The group perceived that some of the cagemates resorted to cannibalism, as several carcasses were completely hollow with bones sticking out.

“Why do these people keep pets if they were not willing to give them the very basic care or the decency of removing a dead body in the cage?” asked HSS.

The group noted that with Singapore facing severe heat waves, the animals suffered and did not have the respite of clean drinking water to cool down.

“We have reported this case to the relevant authorities, and we are glad that swift action is underway.”

HSS said that the surviving hamsters were transported to the vet before being cared for at foster homes.

Interested members of the public can check out the group’s adoption gallery for hamsters who have been cleared quarantine and are ready for their new homes. /TISG

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