Cat abuse outrage

Animal rights concern groups are calling on the government to set up an animal police squad after a recent spate of abuse cases.

Such a squad would act as a deterrent against abuse and increase the chances of solving cases, says Chu Po-shan, a member of the group, Happy Animals.

Chu said there were many volunteers who fed stray dogs and cats every day. As soon as they found any sign of animal abuse, she said, they would contact the police.

But often, the police did not follow up because of a lack of evidence, she said on a radio programme yesterday.

On Thursday, a cat was found dead after being stabbed with a bamboo skewer. Two days before, a two-month-old kitten was found shot eight times by an air gun replica of an M-16 assault rifle.

In the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has the legal authority to investigate and make arrests for crimes against animals.

In the Netherlands, 125 police officers are receiving training and will start tackling animal abuse from November. An animal emergency number will also go into effect.

Locally, the demand for a dedicated squad was echoed by various concern groups.

Offenders get up to three years' jail and a fine of HK$200,000. The police say they are holding a review about procedures in arresting animal abusers.