A concerned public member took to social media to call out an irresponsible cat owner, hoping for a resolution, as the feline would wander and leave waste in shared spaces.
“I am not against keeping cats as pets, but (the) owner should not let the cat disturb neighbours,” said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) resident to Facebook group Complaint Singapore on Sept 11.
According to the original poster, she has already “talked nicely to the owner many times but got scolding” instead.
“Complaint to HDB and no action taken.”
The post included photos of the cat walking on a pathway roof or sitting dangerously by the window ledge.
Another photo showed urine on the floor, presumably from the same cat.
Netizens agreed that cat owners should be more responsible for preventing such incidents. “Well, I’m an animal lover, to be fair, cats should be allowed in HDB flats provided all must ‘stay under one roof’ and ‘don’t worry, be happy’ between you and your neighbours, right?” commented Facebook Jason Tan.
“I got one next block Indian neighbour, she loves cats so much that she housed 5-6cats in a 1rm/1hall unit & till now she never let her cats roam at the corridor (so no complain),” he added.
Facebook user Sally Chia explained, “Owners keeping cats in HDB need to confine cats inside the home.”
“All windows and doors need proper plastic look-wired mess so cats will not be able to wander out of the house. Most cats will only pee & poo in the cat litter provided by owners or on the public grass patch with soil as the cat will have to cover up after it’s done.”
One Diana Dee noted that something could be wrong because the cat is “going around sh**ing and peeing at his place and all around peoples’ houses,” or it lives in a stressed home environment and should be checked.
Fortunately, netizen Wati Wati took matters into her hands and requested the cat’s exact location. “I’ll alert feeders and rescuers to take the cat. Any roaming cat is a stray because the law states that all pets must be kept indoors.”
She also advised reporting such incidents to OneService or complaining to AVS (Animal & Veterinary Service). “Next time you talk to the owners, video record the conversation as evidence. It can be posted; it’s not doxing.”
“For the poo, report to NEA (National Environment Agency), citing unhygienic environmental conditions. NEA is one of the few agencies that fine on the spot,” she added.
The Independent Singapore has reached out to the HDB for a statement and will update the article accordingly. /TISG
https://theindependent.sg/govt-finally-considering-allowing-cats-in-hdb-public-can-send-feedback-through-online-survey/