Woman tapes up myna to 'teach it a lesson' after bird enters kitchen, ACRES calls for investigation

A woman in Singapore has drawn criticism after videos showed her restraining a myna with tape and "lecturing" it for repeatedly entering her home and taking food from the kitchen.

The videos, shared on Facebook on Sept 29, showed the bird with its beak, wings and legs apparently taped up while the woman scolded it.

It was later placed in a box before being released.

The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) said it was "deeply disturbed" by the incident, which it understood had been reported to the National Parks Board (NParks)

A similar incident occurred in Yishun in 2019, when a resident hung a myna from a laundry pole stand after it entered her kitchen.

She reportedly told ACRES rescuers that she wanted to "teach" the bird and other mynas not to enter her home.

Under Singapore's Animals and Birds Act, causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal may constitute animal cruelty.

First-time offenders can face a fine of up to $15,000, up to 18 months' jail, or both.