SINGAPORE, July 11 -- Singapore must take a firm stance against animal cruelty while educating the public on responsible pet ownership, the republic's Home Minister K Shanmugam reportedly said.

Responding to a series of high-profile community cat deaths earlier this year, CNA reported Shanmugam reaffirming the government's zero-tolerance approach towards those who harm animals.

"We cannot tolerate cruelty ... We have to take a strong stand, and we cannot let perpetrators go free," Shanmudam, who is also the Singapore coordinating minister for national security.

He referenced a recent case where a man convicted of killing cats by throwing them from Housing Board blocks had his jail term doubled on appeal.

However, Shanmugam cautioned a...