Singapore Man Charged for Releasing Crows from NParks Trap
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A 77-year-old Singaporean man has been charged with disrupting a National Parks Board (NParks) operation after allegedly cutting the cable ties of a bird trap, leading to the escape of three crows. The incident, which occurred on Oct. 20, highlights the increasingly strict enforcement of regulations surrounding wildlife management in the city-state.
Tan See Chee appeared in court on Tuesday, Dec. 16, and is accused of one count of mischief causing disruption to a public agency’s function. He reportedly remained silent during the proceedings and indicated his intention to plead guilty, choosing not to retain legal counsel.
Crow Population Management and the Incident
The alleged act of disruption took place at a grass patch near Block 181, Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, where NParks was conducting crow population management operations. According to authorities, Tan See Chee allegedly used a pair of scissors at approximately 5:50 p.m. to sever the restraints on a bird trap, resulting in the release of the three birds.
The police investigation, which led to Tan’s identification two days later, relied heavily on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage. “We take a serious view of such acts of mischief,” a police statement read, “and will not hesitate to take firm action against those who damage public property or any apparatus deployed to serve public functions.”
Potential Penalties and Next Steps
Tan See Chee has been informed of the charges in English. A court date has been set in January for him to formally enter his guilty plea. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in jail, a fine, or both, for committing mischief to disrupt the performance of a public agency’s function.
The case underscores the legal ramifications of interfering with government-led wildlife control efforts. It remains to be seen what mitigating factors, if any, will be presented during the sentencing phase.
