LettersAnimal abuse cases must force Hong Kong to finally update its law

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I am writing to express serious concern and exasperation over two recent animal abuse cases in Hong Kong, namely the three-month-old sewage-soaked Golden Retriever puppy abandoned in a Mong Kok trash can and the mutilation and suspected poisoning of a Hung Hom shop cat. Both cases triggered community outrage, especially the latter case in which the perpetrator has not yet been identified.

According to a report released in April by the Office of the Ombudsman, existing procedures of investigation of suspected animal cruelty were deemed “ineffective”. The number of suspected animal abuse cases received from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department nearly doubled between 2020 and 2024; yet, out of the 1,633 reports lodged between 2020 and the first half of 2025, only six cases – or a mere 0.4 per cent – resulted in prosecution. This low prosecution rate indicates that hardly any wanton animal abuse was punished.

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), the maximum legal punishment for animal cruelty upon conviction is a fine up to HK$200,000 (US$25,500) and imprisonment for three years. This raises questions about its deterrent effect. The current ordinance was last amended 20 years ago in 2006.