On 23 May 2025, a 20-year-old man pleaded guilty in a Singapore court to committing a series of disturbing acts, including sexually abusing a cat and assaulting a classmate with special needs. The man, whose identity has been withheld due to a gag order protecting the victims, admitted to one count of performing an indecent act with an animal, as well as charges related to harassment and physical assault.
The indecent act involving the cat took place on 8 April 2023, at approximately 1:50 a.m., in the vicinity of the man's residential block. According to court documents, he encountered a cat near his home, fed it some cat food, and shortly after, was seen performing a sexual act on the animal. The entire incident was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) installed by a neighbour.
The footage showed the man squatting near the cat, appearing to rub himself against it. When the cat fled, he pursued it, picked it up, and continued the act. Eventually, the cat managed to escape. Upon reviewing the CCTV recording, the neighbour contacted the authorities.
A subsequent veterinary examination revealed that the cat did not sustain physical injuries. However, the owner reported noticeable behavioural changes in the animal after the incident, such as withdrawal, fearfulness, and increased hiding, suggesting psychological trauma.
Separately, the man also pleaded guilty to bullying a 19-year-old classmate who has mild intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. The abuse occurred in 2022 and included verbal insults, threats, and physical attacks. The victim, who attended the same school, endured repeated harassment, including an incident in which the man slapped him in a toilet. In another instance, the man warned the victim not to speak to others and threatened to “kick his face.”
The victim did not report the abuse initially, fearing retaliation. Eventually, the matter came to light after a teacher observed signs of distress in the victim and began probing into the cause. Investigations later revealed a pattern of bullying behaviour.
In court, the prosecution described the accused as someone who had shown a troubling disregard for the welfare of both animals and vulnerable persons. The acts were premeditated, and in the case of the cat, aggravated by the fact that the abuse was captured clearly on CCTV.
The defence requested for a pre-sentencing report, citing the man’s youth and ongoing efforts to seek counselling. The court agreed to the request, and sentencing has been scheduled for 11 July 2025.
The case has drawn widespread condemnation online and has reignited calls for harsher penalties in cases of animal cruelty and abuse against persons with disabilities. Animal welfare groups have voiced concern over the psychological harm inflicted on the cat and called for lifetime bans on pet ownership for individuals found guilty of such acts.
Legal experts note that in Singapore, performing sexual acts on animals carries a maximum sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. For assault and harassment involving vulnerable individuals, the courts are empowered to impose harsher penalties due to aggravating circumstances.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for compassion, empathy, and strong enforcement to protect both animals and vulnerable members of society from abuse and violence.
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