In an update to the news article on 15 February 2020, a 49 year old Hong Kong secondary school teacher has handed himself in to police after the discovery of 29 pets apparently hurled from an apartment building. It is confirmed that 15 of the animals - nine chinchillas, a guinea pig, a cat, two rabbits, a parrot and a rodent died from the fall. The remaining 14 pets - nine cats and five chinchillas, were sent to the SPCA clinic in Wan Chai for immediate examination and treatment.
A police source said another man, who is said to be the boyfriend, was also arrested when he turned himself in on Tuesday.
The police arrested the teacher for cruelty to animals, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, Cap 169 - an offence that carries a maximum penalty of three years in jail and a fine of up to HK$200,000.
Although highly disturbing and incredibly sad for these innocent animals, this incident is a valuable opportunity to examine whether or not the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, Cap 169 in Hong Kong is a ruthless or toothless piece of legislation.