NParks investigating alleged python hacking incident involving six men in Boon Lay
ACRES calls for eye witnesses on social media after conducting investigations and interviews on site
SINGAPORE — The National Parks Board (NParks) is investigating the incident of several men allegedly seen hitting a reticulated python, captured in a two-minute video that was shared online.
The video was shared on Facebook by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) on Wednesday (19 April), after it had received the video from a member of the public on Tuesday night.
The first part of the video - which was alleged to have been taken at the bicycle stand of Boon Lay Place Market and Food Village - showed a man beating the snake up with a red pail, while other individuals off-camera flung crates and other items at the animal, which is a protected species in Singapore.
Men can be heard in the background laughing and cheering throughout the video. The python was later brought to a notice-board area beside a food stall, where a man used a cleaver to chop the snake's head until it was confirmed to be dead.
Appeal for eye witnesses
NParks said in a statement that it is an offence under Section 5C(1) of the Wildlife Act to kill, trap, or take any wildlife without the director-general’s approval. Offenders may be jailed up to two years and/or fined up to $50,000.
Under the Animals and Birds Act, first-time offenders caught causing cruelty to an animal can be jailed up to 18 months and/or fined up to $15,000.
Meanwhile, ACRES - which has submitted all relevant information to NParks - is also calling for eye witnesses via social media after investigations and interviews were conducted onsite on Wednesday morning.
"ACRES is shocked and disturbed by the celebratory tone and all the cheering in inflicting suffering and death to a voiceless protected native species, with no indication of calling someone for help," it said in its Facebook post.
What to do should you come across a snake in public
Dr Adrian Loo, NParks' group director of wildlife management, advises the public to observe from a safe distance should they come across a snake.
"Stay calm and back away slowly, giving it space to retreat. Do not approach or attempt to handle the snake," he said in the NParks statement.
"Any pets should also be kept on a tight leash as they might chase the snake and frighten it. The snake should be left alone, especially if it is in its natural habitat."
Should assistance be required, the public can call NParks’ 24-hour Animal Response Centre at 1800-4761600.
More information on snakes in Singapore, and what to do when you encounter them at home or in public, can be found on NParks’ website.
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