A 67-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years’ preventive detention for animal cruelty, among other offences.

Tan Pwee Sin, a repeat offender, was sentenced in court on Tuesday (26 September) for offences including criminal intimidation and dishonest retention of stolen property. According to media reports, Tan fatally slashed a neighbour’s cat and also threatened to kill the neighbour’s nephew.

Under preventive detention, offenders must serve their full sentence, with no possibility of a reduction for good behaviour. Tan has reportedly been in and out of jail since 1983.

In a statement from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) on Tuesday, the agency said that it was alerted to the case on 30 January this year. A cat with exposed intestines was found lying in a pool of blood at Block 1 Spooner Road.

“The cat was immediately brought to a veterinary clinic but succumbed to its injuries the following day,” said an AVA spokesman.

Tan was identified through AVA’s investigations, and a knife allegedly used to injure the feline was also found. Tan subsequently admitted to harming the cat with his knife.

Individuals who commit animal cruelty are liable to a maximum fine of $15,000 and/or 18 months’ jail for first convictions.

“We urge members of the public to promptly report cases of animal cruelty or pet abandonment to AVA via our 24-hour hotline, 1800-476-1600 or via our website. Photographic and/or video graphic evidence will help us in our investigations. All information shared with AVA will be held in the strictest confidence,” said the AVA spokesman.