Student arrested over online claims he planted poison around Hong Kong streets after dog kills kitten
- Senior Inspector Liu Tsz-chai of Sha Tin district crime squad says there was no evidence to suggest that the suspect had planted any poison
- The message emerged on social media a day after a six-week kitten was killed by a shiba inu at the Hong Kong Pet Show, 2021, in Wan Chai
Police have arrested a 25-year-old student accused of making an online post in which he claimed to have left poisonous substances on Hong Kong roadsides, after a kitten was killed by a shiba inu.
Senior Inspector Liu Tsz-chai of Sha Tin district crime squad said on Friday that there was no evidence to suggest that the suspect, who owned a cat, had planted any poison on the city’s streets.
“The suspect was arrested on suspicion of causing public nuisance under common law – an offence that carries a maximum penalty of seven years in Jail,” she said.
She reminded members of the public that those who spread fake information or messages and threaten public safety might risk committing the offence.
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According to the force, a six-week kitten died after being bitten by a shiba inu at the Hong Kong Pet Show, 2021, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on Sunday.
The attack has drawn public concern and discussion on the internet. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also advises all pet owners to make sure that their pets are properly leashed and always kept under supervision when they are out.
Officers from the Wan Chai criminal investigation unit are handling the case. So far, no one has been arrested.
On Monday, a message was found on a social media platform that claimed poisonous substances had been laid on the streets in various parts of the city, according to police.
Liu said the message was later deleted after it led to public concern on the safety of animals and sparked condemnation of such irresponsible behaviour.
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Detectives from the Sha Tin district crime squad were tasked to investigate this case.
After identifying the suspect, officers arrested him in Kwai Chung on Thursday. Two mobile phones and a computer were seized for inspection.
Liu said the suspect did not know the owner of the kitten.
As of Friday afternoon, the man was still being held for questioning and had not been charged.
Liu said police would continue to monitor online messages that might break the law and would take action if necessary.
