Hong Kong vets report higher rates of poor health for online-bought cats, dogs
Consumer watchdog teams up with wildlife authorities to survey veterinarians, and targets 18 online sellers of animals
Hong Kong veterinarians are reporting higher rates of poor health among online-bought cats and dogs compared with those purchased at physical stores, the Consumer Council has said, adding that it suspects nearly all internet-based canine sellers it had checked were involved in illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding, among other issues.
In a report published on Thursday, the city’s consumer watchdog said it had conducted a study alongside the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), with the two organisations surveying registered veterinarians and targeting 18 online platforms.
“The survey results found that more cats and dogs purchased online were in poor health, with a significantly higher proportion than those purchased from physical pet shops,” said Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the council’s research and testing committee.
The survey found that, on average, five out of every 10 dogs and 5.5 out of every 10 cats bought online and presented for veterinary care were ill or in poor condition.
In comparison, the rates were 3.3 for dogs and 3.9 for cats bought at physical pet shops.
The most common diseases faced by online-bought pets included upper respiratory infections, diarrhoea and the canine parvovirus.
The study also showed that the eight most common diseases for canines were more prevalent among dogs bought online than those purchased at stores.