HK couple arrested over chained dog found dead at village house.

Hong Kong police have arrested a couple on suspicion of animal cruelty after their dog was found dead and chained up at a village house in the New Territories.

According to a statement from the force on Tuesday, officers were sent to a shed in the rural area of Ha Shan Kai Wat near Ping Che Road in Ta Kwu Ling following a 999 emergency call on Monday.

Police were notified of the incident by a male caller who said he suspected the dog had been mistreated.

The force said in the statement: -

“An investigation showed the dog had been chained, but there was not enough food and water placed near the animal. The hygiene of the place was also very poor.”

A 64-year-old man and his 54-year-old wife were picked up at the scene and later detained on suspicion of animal cruelty.

Police said the two suspects had been released on bail, pending further investigation. The pair are required to report back to the force next month.

Detectives from the Border district crime squad are investigating the case. The force added: -

“The force attaches great importance to and never tolerates any cases of cruelty to animals. Police must actively follow up on each case.”

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said its staff had collected the carcass for temporary storage and would await further updates from police on whether a necropsy was needed.