A Hong Kong father and son have been arrested for suspected animal cruelty after police at the weekend discovered 39 dogs and two cats held in “extremely poor” conditions in a flat.

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.” The source added that the animals were in “poor health” and that there was not enough food or water for them.

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.

Main Source: SCMP