SINGAPORE - The National Parks Board is investigating the horrific killings of two stray cats earlier this month but animal lovers in Yishun and Punggol are also stepping up efforts to protect the felines under their care.

In Yishun, where a community cat known as King Kong was found disembowelled and with its eyes gouged out on the morning of May 9, one cat feeder has put out a cash reward of $500 for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible for the act.

Some residents and cat feeders are also checking on the cats in the area more frequently, with a few sheltering the animals in their homes until the alleged killer is found.

In Punggol, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong announced on May 15 that the Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council will work with NParks and animal welfare groups to raise public awareness after a stray cat named Shere Khan was found with severe injuries on May 12.

It eventually succumbed to its injuries and NParks, which oversees the Animal and Veterinary Service, is investigating the matter as a suspected case of animal cruelty.

But even before this, some members of the Cat Welfare Society had conducted door-to-door outreach across several Housing Board blocks in Punggol and Yishun, speaking with residents to gather potential leads for the authorities and to raise awareness in the community.

In Yishun, CWS posters - which appeal for witnesses to come forward with information - have been put up with the approval and assistance of the town council.

“I hope the relevant authorities can see the seriousness of this murder,” said Ms Janet Chin, referring to King Kong’s death. “It’s not only a threat to safety, but also an indirect message that our poor community cats are not important.”

The 54-year-old retail sales consultant who feeds stray cats in the Chong Pang area in Yishun, told ST that she had put up the reward for information that would lead to the identification of King Kong’s killer beca...