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Man charged with abandoning three pet stingrays

(File photo of a stingray: Getty Images)
(File photo of a stingray: Getty Images)

A man was charged on Wednesday (20 September) with abandoning his pet stingrays and releasing them into Lower Seletar Reservoir.

Larry Tan Chin Guan, 48, was charged in the State Courts with one count of releasing three Motoro stingrays into the reservoir on 2 June between 3pm and 4pm.

For the same act, Tan also faces one separate charge under the Public Utilities Board (PUB) Act. He is expected to be charged for this offence on 26 September.

Tan’s case is believed to be the first such case involving stingrays, said the prosecutor.

Motoro stingrays are freshwater rays that are native to South America. Adult Motoro stingrays can grow close to one metre in body diameter and weigh up to 35kg.

Tan, who is unrepresented, told the court that he intends to plead guilty. His case will be next heard on 26 September.

If convicted, Tan faces a jail term of up to 12 months, or a fine of up to $10,000, or both for first offence.