Allegations of porcine pollution erupt in violence in the New Territories

A PIG feud is raging on the lawless plains of Pat Heung, with rampaging mobs invading private property, smashing down fences, maiming livestock and bashing farm workers.

The problem erupted at dusk on October 10. A crowd of about 30 angry people marched up the rutted track to Wah Kee farm, on the road between Pat Heung and Sheung Shui.

They demanded to see the owner, Chan Mo-chi. Told he was in Britain, the mob stormed the farm, badly beat a worker, kicked down fences and killed or chased away valuable animals.

As six men beat farm worker Wong Wai-lam, others spent their fury on farm fittings and animals. They kicked a 130-kilogram prize Danish Duroc boar, imported to improve pig stock. The $70,000 animal is now crippled, according to the farmer.

Four imported English brood sows were killed, as were another 10 pigs being fattened for market. Another 80 pigs, worth $2,800 each, were chased from their sties and are still missing, roaming in Lam Tsuen Country Park.

Mr Chan puts damages in killed, lost and injured pigs and repairs to the sties at $354,000. The Pat Heung police are investigating allegations of assault and criminal damage.

Three weeks later, the situation remains tense. Wah Kee piggery is still, cautiously, in business while 800 metres downstream, the village representative of Sheung Che, Cheung Shui-on, is adamant that the farm must go.