A pug puppy was abandoned in near death condition inside two bin bags in Tsuen Wan on Tuesday evening. The puppy was found by volunteers from LAP (Lifelong Animal Protection Charity). He was rushed to the emergency vet, but ultimately did not survive.

The previous owner of the puppy informed LAP that the puppy had been purchased online from Taobao. He alleged the puppy had been examined by two vets and was told the puppy had an ‘incurable disease.’ Not wanting the dog to die in his home, the man abandoned the puppy, and warned LAP against taking in the dog. The puppy tested negative for infectious viruses at the emergency vets; ultrasounds suggested it may have been intussusception, but the puppy was too weak to endure surgery.

This unfortunate story highlights the risks of purchasing a pet online. Online pet trade not only bolsters the breeding industry, but also often exposes the animals to health risks. A survey conducted in 2018 by the Kennel Club (UK) highlighted that up to 1 in 3 puppies purchased online ‘either died or became very ill in their first year of life.’

These days there are even more avenues from which people can purchase pets. Previously the pet trade was limited to pet stores and breeders, but now we are seeing an increase in online sales and the frequent illegal cross-border smuggling of animals into Hong Kong.

There are also significant issues with brachycephalic dogs due to the cruel breeding practices which lead to lots of health problems in the breed. In fact concerns about health issues led Courts in Nortway to ban the breeding of Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, calling it a violation of the Norwegian Animal Welfare Act. Similar bans on some brachycephalic breeds are being considered in the U.K. Veterinary associations in Canada and Australia have called for more selectivity when breeding brachycephalic dogs and more pet owner education around potential health risks.

The callous act reminds us of the inadequate animal welfare laws and protection in Hong Kong. Currently, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap 169) only enables prosecutions to be made for acts of violence or neglect or apathy towards the animal, with a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment and $200,000 fine. While the owner’s act likely fall within the scope of the ordinance, enforcement is weak and infrequent.

Hong Kong also lags behind other countries in its failure to impose a ‘duty of care’ on animal keepers. As noted by Wong in an article by Durham Asian Law Journal, ‘The effect of the current legislation in Hong Kong, without a duty of care, is that authorities can only take actions to protect animals when they actually suffer, not when there is a need to “prevent the impending suffering of animals”.’[1]

Adopt don’t shop!

Courtesy of Audrey O’Young

Photo Credit: LAP (Lifelong Animal Protection), Facebook, Instagram