Two recent cases in Singapore have shocked the community, raising serious concerns about the treatment of both animals and vulnerable individuals. The first case involves a man sentenced for smuggling puppies, while the second highlights a long-term molestation case that lasted for years.
Animal Smuggling Case
Mahentharan Ganesan, a 43-year-old man from Malaysia, was sentenced to eight weeks’ jail and fined S$2,500 for illegally importing a puppy into Singapore. The court heard that he had been involved in a smuggling operation, delivering animals across the border to repay a debt.
- Mahentharan owned a transportation company and was initially reluctant to smuggle animals.
- Under financial pressure, he eventually agreed to deliver puppies and kittens, earning S$60 per trip.
- On 20 October 2023, he was caught at the Tuas checkpoint with a live Labrador puppy hidden in a laundry bag.
The puppy was found to have suffered significant distress due to poor transportation conditions, raising important questions about animal welfare.
Long-term Molestation Case
In a separate case, Chin Esau John, a 64-year-old New Zealander, was sentenced to four years and three months in jail, plus 13 strokes of the cane, for molesting his godson over a span of seven years. The victim, who was aged between eleven and eighteen during the assaults, viewed Chin as a father figure following the death of his own father.
- Chin was found guilty of seven counts of molest, with the abuse occurring from 2002 to 2008.
- The victim, now 34, only revealed these incidents after several years, causing distress for both him and his family.
- Chin, who is appealing his conviction, denied touching the victim inappropriately, but admitted to showering together.
District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan noted the exploitation of the victim’s vulnerability and characterised Chin’s actions as a severe abuse of trust.
Both cases highlight critical issues in society regarding the protection of both animals and individuals, illustrating the need for stricter enforcement of laws and awareness of such violations.