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In Hong Kong, there are many wild animals such as cats, dogs and monkeys. Some live in the mountains while other live by the side of the road.
Some people might think it is sad that there is no one to take care of them. Therefore, they regularly feed the animals. Is this good for the wild animals? Of course not.  They will lose their ability to search for food if they rely on people giving them food. Then the animals will move nearer to the city, which may be a problem for residents.
Also, feeding wild animals will increase their numbers. Ordinarily, some animals would die if they could not find sufficient food themselves, or be eaten by other animals.
Lindy Pang In-yin, STFA Tam Pak Yu College
From the editor
Thank you for your letter, Lindy. It's very tempting in Hong Kong, where we have so few wild animals compared with what we see in other cities on TV, to want to feed the few we do see. Monkeys on Monkey Hill, pigeons in the parks, and stray cats in back alleys are about all we see.
It's true that wild animals can lack food. There isn't always enough for them to find. But this is not a reason for us to 'help'. Feeding wild animals is almost like giving a young child junk food. If they eat food that isn't part of their natural diet, they can become very sick.
Also, if wild animals become used to being fed, they can be aggressive towards other people passing by as they will think all humans will feed them. This is especially scary when there's a large flock of birds or troop of monkeys heading for passers-by. You could be bitten or scratched, and may possibly catch a disease.
We must be aware of animal rights, but also respect the natural order.
Karly, Deputy Editor



Wild animals can feed themselves