A 43-year-old woman was arrested on 22 June 2023 for allegedly ill-treating animals, after at least 20 cats were found in an odorous flat with no food nor water on Fuk Wah Street, Shum Shui Po, Hong Kong

The tragedy was scandalised after the neighbour who lives under the arrestee called the police complaining about the water seepage from the ceiling. The neighbour was also worried that the arrestee could have fainted because the dripping water came with an obnoxious smell. Police officers and firefighters broke into the flat and found 14 cats in the flat, although the woman was not present at that moment.

The 14 cats were taken by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for further examination and treatment. Based on preliminary checks, the animals were not in life-threatening danger. SPCA also left several cage traps in the apartment, and six more cats were found during the next four days. The total number of animals trapped in the place has remained uncertain.

The woman was granted bail on 24 June but has not returned to the flat.

Furthermore, according to a report by Scoop, a local TV show that practices investigative journalism, the woman was accused of collecting donations of cat food and later reselling them on online platforms. However, she told the donors that she needed the supplies to “foster dozens of stray cats” at home.

As stated in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance Cap 169, anyone who is in charge of any animal in confinement or captivity but neglects to supply such animal with sufficient food and fresh water can be convicted to a fine of HK$200,000 and imprisonment for three years.

Courtesy of Pik Hok Yau, Tim

Main Source: Bastille Post

Photos: Sing Tao & Bastille Post