Poodle safe after Hong Kong pair arrested over role in dognapping
- Owner was walking the dog last Saturday without a leash when she lost sight of it
- She later received a social media message demanding HK$40,000 for the animal’s safe return
A Hong Kong couple has been arrested over allegedly threatening to harm a poodle taken from the owner unless she paid HK$40,000 (US$5,160).
The nine-month-old dog was returned home safe after police tracked down the alleged dognappers with the help of CCTV footage and raided their flat in Tin Shui Wai, where the animal was found, on Friday afternoon.
“Initial examination shows the dog was in healthy condition and further tests will be carried out,” said acting Chief Inspector Hui Chung-hang.
The 37-year-old owner was walking the dog without a leash in the area early last Saturday when she lost sight of it. Fearing the poodle had run away, she posted information on the internet seeking help in finding it. The woman received a message demanding money via social media on Wednesday, police said.
“The owner was told to pay HK$40,000 for the return of her pet or something would be done to harm the dog,” Hui said. A report was then filed with police.
After checking security camera footage and gathering other intelligence, officers raided the flat and arrested the two suspects, a 24-year-old man and his 23-year-old girlfriend, on suspicion of blackmail.
Hui said officers were still searching for a third person who grabbed the dog.
As of Friday evening, the two suspects were being held for questioning and had not been charged.
