Cat rescue at Bukit Batok sparks probe and scrutiny over pet owner negligence

A cat that was stuck on the ledge of a 10th-floor HDB flat at Bukit Batok West for nearly 15 hours was eventually rescued by a civilian on 18 November 2025, prompting an official investigation and fresh calls for more responsible pet ownership. The cat was first spotted at around 1.00am by Tabitha Thompson, 28, who heard distressed meowing outside a neighbour’s unit at Block 465A, Bukit Batok West Avenue 8. A neighbour had alerted her, and on closer inspection, she saw the cat perched precariously on a narrow ledge. Thompson, unsure of who to call, made a Facebook post to the Lost and found pets in Singapore group at about 11.30am, appealing for help. In the now-deleted post, she wrote: “There’s been a cat (jumped from 11th floor to 10th) outside my neighbour’s window. The home owners aren’t in either.” Despite attempts to seek official assistance—including calls to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and NParks—no immediate rescue response was provided. An active animal rescue volunteer, who operates the “Rescue with Love SG” Instagram account, also stepped in to help coordinate efforts.

 

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“I called the Town Council around 12:56pm to ask for permission to lay mattresses in case the cat fell,” the volunteer said. “No one got back to me until more than two hours later. By that point, we were already discussing alternatives to act on our own.” According to the volunteer, multiple agencies were contacted, including SPCA, which later stated that it had reached out to HDB for assistance in accessing the unit. However, animal rescue protocols for high-rise cases appeared unclear, leading to delays and mounting concern. Eventually, a civilian—nicknamed “Spider-man” by witnesses—scaled the building using rope equipment and retrieved the cat shortly before 3.50pm, returning it safely to the owner. In response to media queries, the National Parks Board (NParks) confirmed it is investigating the incident. Jessica Kwok, Group Director of Enforcement and Investigation at NParks, stated that efforts had been underway to safely rescue the cat by entering a resident’s flat. “NParks takes all cases related to animal welfare seriously and is investigating,” she said. Kwok also reminded cat owners of their legal obligations to ensure pets are kept in environments that minimise risks of injury or falls. “Owners must take reasonable steps to protect their pets. Failure to do so is an offence,” she noted. The condition of the owner’s flat, as reported by volunteers, raised further concern. The unit reportedly had mesh materials but they were not installed, and the window through which the cat escaped had been left open. The home was also said to be unclean, with faeces observed throughout. The owner, who was reportedly away for two days, has since been given a week to properly mesh her home. It was also revealed that two other cats remain in the unit. Volunteers involved in the rescue expressed frustration at systemic delays and the lack of an empowered central agency to handle such emergencies. “This could have ended tragically,” said the rescue volunteer. “Authorities need to be more flexible and respond based on urgency rather than rigid SOPs.” She also emphasised the need for stronger enforcement of basic safety measures in homes with pets. “We appreciate the microchipping and licensing initiatives underway in places like Sengkang, but without proper education and enforcement, the problem persists. Mesh your windows—it’s the bare minimum.” Independent rescuers and online platforms such as Wake Up Singapore played a significant role in amplifying the incident and coordinating efforts. While relieved that the cat survived, many are calling for improved protocols and clearer lines of action for such high-risk rescues. As NParks proceeds with its investigation, the case stands as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership—particularly in high-rise living—and the urgent need to bridge the gap between community-driven rescue efforts and official response frameworks.