They are cute, cuddly and ready for adoption this festive season
What do you want for Christmas? A new bag? The latest iPhone? Or an adorable kitten? There are hundreds of cute and cuddly animals around Hong Kong waiting to be adopted.
Lifelong Animal Protection (LAP)
Formerly called Lamma Animal Protection, the licensed charity has about 80 animals, mainly dogs and cats, available for adoption in foster homes. 'LAP has a network of about 100 fostering homes, but they are not active all at one time,' says vice-chairman Jen Chan. 'We don't have kennels or a shelter, so the money we earn is spent on medical bills, the animals' welfare and daily operations.'
In order to start the adoption process, potential pet owners are required to fill in a questionnaire, but applicants might remember to tell the truth. 'There are questions in the form to trick them,' Chan explains. 'But if everything sounds reasonable ... an adoption could be almost instant, unless [the animal] needs to be desexed or have a formal medical procedure.' Taking home a lovable Lassie or Persian costs HK$1,500, including vaccinations, desexing and microchipping.
Hong Kong Alley Cats
Hong Kong Alley Cats (HKAC) last week rescued a white cat in Clearwater Bay that was found wandering around some wheelie bins where a scratching post, litter box and unopened food had been left. 'It had cat flu, so maybe that's why it was abandoned. But it doesn't matter if we find them sick or healthy, we will treat them,' says Michelle Temple, co-founder of HKAC.
'There are so many animals to choose from [in Hong Kong] because of the [number] that have been abandoned.'
A HK$1,000 adoption fee covers basic desexing, vaccinations and any other medical costs up to the time of adoption.
Hong Kong Dog Rescue
Established by Sally Andersen in 2002, the self-funded organisation has about 200 dogs in Tai Po and Ap Lei Chau. It also desexes dogs over the age of six months.
Protection of Animals Lantau South
The Protection of Animals Lantau South is made up of volunteers who in 1998 started to rescue and rehome dogs and cats around South Lantau and Discovery Bay. All the animals have been desexed, dewormed and vaccinated.
Society for Abandoned Animals
The Yuen Long-based charity was established in 1997 by a group of animal rights activists. Their 20,000-square-metre facility features a cat activity room, outdoor playground for dogs, rabbit room and animal medical centre. They also look after farm animals.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
This was the first animal welfare charity in Hong Kong, starting in 1921. It has up to 200 animals available, from dogs, cats and rabbits, to hamsters and terrapins.
