Paws for thought

Animal lovers, it's time to take action. Last autumn, three kittens were found left for dead after being sadistically tortured and dumped in a street in Mongkok - and these cases may only be the tip of the iceberg, animal rights activists warn.

The first victim, a kitten called Sylvia, was found in September last year lying on the street with two broken limbs and a stab wound to her belly. A week later, Chop Chop (right) was found in the same area. Bowie, the third victim, had similar injuries and was found at the same site in November. He died shortly after an operation.

Sylvia and Chop Chop (below) are now living with Helena Chung Man-har, an animal lover and member of Hong Kong Alley Cat Watch (HKACW). They have almost fully recovered, although Chop Chop needed to have a front leg amputated. The attacks prompted teacher David Wong Kai-yan to start an online petition for tougher penalties against animal abuse.

Chung, Wong and volunteers from animal protection groups such as Animal Earth, Bag Me Home and HKACW have organised the 1.08 Respect for Life and Anti-Animal Abuse march. It starts at 2pm today at Chater Garden and finishes at the Central Government Offices. The march is intended to enhance public awareness of animal rights and call for tougher laws against animal abuse.

Chung said everyone is welcome to join the march because its theme is not only animal protection, but also about showing respect for life.

'There is a reason for every life that comes into this world. We should not torture animals to death, even if they are livestock,' said Chung.