Hong Kong volunteers rescue animals from fire.
On the night of the Double Ninth Festival (25th October), a fire broke out in Yuen Long Tai Kong Po, causing safety concerns to the animals in the nearby Big Tree Animal Centre “大樹下善待動物庇護站”. Fortunately, a few hundred volunteers arrived having heard the news and worked tirelessly to save the animals, carrying them to safety and shelter.
The fire was said to have started at 3pm in the afternoon along the hillside of Tai Kong Po, but did not raise alarms until it began quickly spreading to a length of over 400 metres at around midnight. The fire became uncontrollable and was a threat to the lives of hundreds of cats and dogs at the Big Tree Animal Centre found at the base of the hillside. Staff of the Centre immediately decided to start a rescue action to transport the animals to a safe shelter and reached out to volunteers through the internet for further assistance.
Having seen the news of the fire and the impending danger to the animals, hundreds of Hong Kong citizens arrived at he Big Tree Animal Centre, bringing with them numerous cages, food and drink for the animals. Some volunteers even prepared vehicles and trucks for smooth transportation for the animals!
Upon professional instructions from the staff of Big Tree Animal Centre, volunteers were able to orderly and quickly secure the cats and dogs into cages, which were covered in large towels to minimise the risk that the animals became frightened or agitated.
Meanwhile, firefighters were still trying their best to put out the fire, but sadly the fire continued to spread and later to grew to a length of 2 kilometres due to the strong wind at around 4 a.m.
By the time the fire was closest to the Centre, preparation for the transportation of all animals was close to finish, however the animals still needed to be transported to safety. Luckily, an owner of a large warehouse 300 metres away from the Animal Centre agreed to open his place up to be used as a temporary shelter for the animals. Volunteers were then able to move the animals to safety with great care and expedience. Volunteers remained in the warehouse throughout the night, feeding the rescued cats and dogs and ensuring their welfare was looked after.
By 8am on 26 October, the fire had been put out. The remaining volunteers then moved all the animals back to the Big Tree Animal Centre. All animals were confirmed to be safe with no injuries or deaths recorded.
This incident demonstrates just how important animals and animal welfare are to members of the Hong Kong community, and why we must continue to advocate for better animal protection laws in Hong Kong. The support and determination shown by all volunteers and firefighters to save the animals from danger is truly inspiring.
Courtesy of Marco Poon