Yorkshire terrier in Hong Kong dies from head injuries after alleged brutal abuse, animal charity expresses outrage, grief
- Animal had undergone surgery a week ago after being diagnosed with skull fracture and brain contusion; 18 fragments removed from head
- Police hunting for boyfriend of pet owner’s mother, the primary suspect
A nine-year-old Yorkshire terrier in Hong Kong suspected to have been brutally abused died about a week after undergoing an operation to remove 18 fragments in its skull.
Police were on Tuesday still searching for the boyfriend of the pet owner’s mother in connection with the animal cruelty case that came to light last week. The seriously injured dog was found unconscious in a Tsuen Wan flat.
It was sent to a Mong Kok clinic run by the Non-Profit Making Veterinary Services Society. Immediate surgery was carried out after it was diagnosed with skull fractures and brain contusions. Veterinarians removed 18 fragments in the dog’s skull.
The Yorkshire terrier – named Honey – was suspected to have suffered from abuse and died on Monday, according to the organisation.
Announcing the death on Facebook on Monday night, the charity said the dog had remained in critical condition after the surgery. “Last Friday, Honey showed some improvement as it was able to eat and swallow on its own, giving hope to all those who cared for it. Unfortunately, the miracle did not happen.”
It added the dog’s condition deteriorated rapidly on Monday morning, despite the medical team’s effort to rescue the animal. The dog died peacefully the same day, according to the group.
Expressing grief and outrage, it said: “Apart from hoping the incident will be resolved soon, we also need to reflect on why such a tragedy happened, and how to prevent the next Honey from appearing.”
The dog had been left in the care of its owner’s mother and elder sister in Tsuen Wan. The mother departed the city for a holiday in Thailand on April 30.
The elder sister went to work last Monday night, leaving the mother’s boyfriend and the dog at home. She returned home the next day and found the Yorkshire terrier unconscious in the flat. The woman immediately took the dog to the Mong Kok clinic for treatment.
A police spokeswoman on Tuesday afternoon said no arrest had been made.
In Hong Kong, animal cruelty is punishable by up to three years in jail and a HK$200,000 (US$25,500) fine.
