Tan Yi Bin Ryan, 27, was sentenced on 10/4 to 31 months in prison for abusing six cats, two of whom died. He was also banned from owning any animals for 12 months after his release. According to the National Parks Board (NParks), this marks the highest sentence ever imposed for animal abuse.

Court documents revealed that in 7/2024, Tan, a food delivery driver, had recently broken up with his girlfriend. He sought out community stray cats to interact with. When some cats ignored him, and one even scratched him, preventing petting, Tan decided to "teach them a lesson". He researched online how to torture cats to inflict injury without killing them, and whether such actions were criminal. Subsequently, he bought a penknife and returned to the park over several days to carry out the acts, wearing a hoodie and mask to avoid detection. Notably, one of the abused cats was not a stray but belonged to a resident in an apartment building where Tan frequently delivered food.

One of the six cats died after being abused by Tan and thrown from the 34th floor. Photo: CNA

One of the six cats died after being abused by Tan and thrown from the 34th floor. Photo: CNA

His actions were captured by surveillance cameras. On 7/10/2024, Tan was arrested at his home and later released on bail at the end of the month. During his bail period, he continued his abuse, causing the death of a sixth cat. The animal received treatment, but due to severe injuries, a veterinarian had to humanely euthanize it.

Tan was re-arrested on 13/3/2025 and has been in remand since then. In court, the defendant pleaded guilty to three charges of animal abuse; the remaining three charges are pending further review. In Singapore, animal abuse can carry a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison and a fine of up to SGD 15,000 (310 million dong).