Animal Abandonment Rising in Hong Kong

Numbers from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department show that animal abandonment cases are on the rise.

In 2015—and not including cats and dogs—the AFCD’s Animal Management Center captured more than 1,400 stray animals, including rabbits, reptiles, birds and cows. That’s a significant rise from 444 cases in 2013.

The Rabies Ordinance issued by the AFCD prohibits the abandonment of animals without a suitable reason, but it does nothing to actually protect animal rights.

Mark Mak, Chairman of the Hong Kong Non-Profit making Veterinary Services Society, said the “peak season” for animal abandonment is usually right after festivals and holiday periods.

“A lot of pet owners bring sick pets they don’t want and just leave them here,” he said.