A man has been arrested in Hong Kong on suspicion of animal cruelty after his pet dog fell to its death from a 19th floor flat on Sunday night.

A security guard of Broadway in Mei Foo Sun Chuen, a housing estate in Lai Chi Kok, called the police late Saturday evening after finding a dead schnauzer outside one of the buildings.

Police Officers conducted door to door inquiries at the residential block and located the flat in which the dog had previously resided in. A police source said a preliminary investigation indicated the dog probably passed through a space in the railing on the flat’s balcony before falling off the building. At the time of the incident, the man, his wife and their domestic helper were in a different part of the flat and only realised the dog was no longer in the flat when the Police Officer’s arrived.

The owner, who is accused of failing to keep the dog in a safe environment, was arrested on suspicion of cruelty to an animal. He was released on bail pending further investigation.

Dogs in Public Housing Estates

The keeping of dogs has been banned in public housing in Hong Kong since 1 August 2003. However, dogs of less than 20kg in weight that were kept before that date have been permitted to remain.

Dogs kept with permission must not cause a nuisance to other residents. Any claim of nuisance would need to be investigated and found to be substantiated twice before the Housing Authority may withdraw such permission.

If animals are kept without permission from the Housing Authority, points may be deducted from the Marking Scheme. Points may also be deducted for creating a nuisance (i.e. barking) or allowing a dog to foul a common area.

Keeping of service dogs inside leased premises without the prior written consent of the HA is prohibited. In general, the HA will not approve applications for dog keeping; except under special situations (e.g. keeping guide dogs for tenants with visual and audio disabilities; or keeping companion dogs for tenants in need of being accompanied by a dog for mental support, with the provision of medical support from medical practitioners or psychologists), conditional approvals may be considered.

Attitude towards Dogs and Dog Owners

Despite Hong Kong apartment buildings and complexes promoted as being dog friendly, there continues to be a growing number of incidents where dog owners living are being vicitmised and abused. Owners have been harassed verbally, had their photos surreptitiously taken and uploaded on social media and berated with hatred in various WhatsApp groups. Furthermore, many dog owners have commented that they are met with either a negative or fearful reaction as they are walking their dogs. The majority of the dogs have been rescued or fostered from the various animal rescue charities in Hong Kong, and are dependent on selfless families to provide them with a loving home, be it temporary or permanent. It is the kindness of these families that gives animals a second chance at a positive life, and it is important that members of the public continue to support this mission.

It is also equally important to speak out on behalf of animals and to bring to light instances of possible animal cruelty in Hong Kong. There have been a number of social media posts recently which have highlighted the lack of animal welfare that some owners treat their pets with. Dogs have been left tied up outside on balconies in both torrential rain and scorching sun, with no viable shelter for it to seek refuge. They are at the mercy of the weather, and have to endure such because they have no alternative. We need to do better. There needs to be a greater sense of responsibility on pet owners in Hong Kong to ensure that the welfare needs of their animals are being met.

It is hoped that the introduction of a duty of care under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, Cap 169, as well other critical amendments to the legislation will be able to ensure that these persistent instances of animal cruelty become a thing of the past and that there will be more prosecutions for those who continue to abuse animals in Hong Kong.

Courtesy of HKALPO

Main Source: SCMP

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock and Hong Kong Animal Owners Facebook Group.