Singapore Man Sentenced to Over Two Years for ‘Sadistic’ Serial Abuse and Killing of Community Cats

Ryan Tan Yi Bin receives a record-length sentence for stabbing and killing community cats in Toa Payoh, with the judge citing his "deplorable and sadistic" acts.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 4:32 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Straits Times

A Calculated Pattern of Animal Cruelty

In one of the most severe cases of animal cruelty recorded in Singapore, Ryan Tan Yi Bin was sentenced on April 10 following a spree of violence against defenceless community cats. According to court proceedings, Tan’s actions were born out of frustration when the animals failed to respond to his attempts at companionship during a period of personal difficulty. The 27-year-old delivery rider did not act on impulse; instead, he conducted online research into methods of animal torture before executing his plans. District Judge Sharmila Sripathy-Shanaz described the acts as "sadistic" and "serial," noting that the sentence was intended to serve as a firm condemnation of such barbaric behavior.

Escalating Violence in Toa Payoh and Lorong Limau

The court heard a harrowing timeline of events that began in late 2024. After purchasing a foldable knife, Tan targeted several cats in the Toa Payoh area over a single weekend in September. According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Lynda Lee, Tan stabbed a white short-haired cat twice, chasing it down after the initial blow to ensure further injury. One of the wounds was found to be 6.5 centimeters deep, penetrating the animal’s abdominal cavity. Despite being aware of the potential legal consequences—having searched online for sentences related to cat abuse—Tan’s violence escalated in October when he abducted an orange cat, tortured it inside an HDB lift, and eventually threw it from the 34th floor of a residential block.

Reoffending While on Bail

The severity of the case was compounded by the fact that Tan continued his spree even after being arrested and released on bail. In March 2025, Tan approached a black and orange cat in Toa Payoh Lorong 7. When the cat hissed at him, he reacted with extreme violence. Video footage played in court showed Tan dragging the cat by its tail and swinging it head-first against a wall multiple times. According to the prosecution, the injuries sustained by the animal were so catastrophic that it had to be euthanized by veterinary professionals. This final act of cruelty while under judicial supervision was a significant factor in the court’s decision to impose a lengthy custodial sentence.