Update | Farmer arrested over Yuen Long dog deaths

An elderly man accused of placing rat poison baits outside his farm in Yuen Long to protect his 100 goats from being mauled by stray dogs has been arrested over the deaths of six dogs.

Police officers picked up the 63-year-old man at his home in Tin Shui Wai early yesterday after a 15-hour investigation into the deaths of the mongrels that were found in two boxes outside Wing Ning Tsuen on Yung Yuen Road, Yuen Long.

Chief Inspector Wong Yick-lung of Yuen Long police said the arrest was made after a good citizen came forward with useful information. "A dog owner told police that he had been warned recently to keep his dog on leash," a police source said.

"He was threatened that his dog would be killed if it attacked any goat on the farm. Initial investigation showed rat poison had been put out in the village a few days ago."

The elderly farmer was arrested on suspicion of cruelty to animals, an offence with a maximum penalty of three years' jail and a HK$200,000 fine.

Last night, he was released on bail, after having been questioned, and must report back next month.

Police mounted a search for poison baits in the village yesterday morning, but found none.