Hong Kong father and son arrested over discovery of more than 40 dogs and cats held in ‘extremely poor’ conditions in flat
- 39 dogs and two cats in care after police and SPCA raid on flat in Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei
- Two arrested after report of man kicking dog in street leads investigators to flat where animals held
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said on Sunday it was looking after more than half of the animals and the rest were being cared for by the Agricultural, Fisheries, and Conservation Department.
Police arrested the father, 55, and his 31-year-old son, both identified only by the surname Tsang, on Saturday night after a report from the SPCA, a source familiar with the case said.
The animal welfare group said it had sent a team of inspectors to investigate a call about a man kicking a dog in Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei district on Saturday.
“Upon arriving at the scene, the SPCA inspectors tracked the suspect to a nearby flat, suspecting the presence of additional animals inside,” the organisation said.
“The SPCA inspectors immediately alerted the police and requested a thorough investigation of the flat.”
Police and the SPCA found the animals inside the Temple Street flat. The SPCA said the environment was “extremely poor.”
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Police arrested the pair for suspected animal cruelty after a preliminary investigation. The two were detained for further inquiries.
The SPCA said 24 of the recovered animals were taken to the group’s Tsing Yi centre, where a veterinary team carried out check-ups and provided care overnight.
The other 17 animals are being cared for by the department, which said on Sunday night they were now in stable condition, pending further examination.
According to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, it is illegal for anyone to engage in any act that causes unnecessary suffering to any animal, without reasonable cause. Offenders face a maximum penalty of three years in jail and a HK$200,000 (US$25,530) fine.
The Yau Tsim Police District criminal investigation team is handling the case.
