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Pets

Pets
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Pets. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
The owner of China’s popular “smiling Shiba Inu,” Peppa, who claimed the dog died from poisoning in a village has faced a backlash for exploiting the canine’s death for views. Photo: SCMP composite/RedNote
Trending in China

China owner of poisoned ‘smiling Shiba Inu’ berated for exploiting canine’s death

Tearful custodian of ‘cute and obedient’ animal with 500,000 online followers posts video of dead pet; is slammed and praised.

Hong Kong society

Shorter Hong Kong quarantine time drives rise in pet imports from mainland China

Viral stories

Bangkok puppy yoga studio offers comfort and stress relief for US$60 per session

Malaysia

Paws for thought: Malaysian mall reverses pet-friendly policy after uproar

The reversal comes after videos of a dog being wheeled through the mall in a trolley stirred anger in the Muslim-majority country.

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A sign outlining Sunway Square Mall’s pet-friendly house rules, and a dog-themed installation at the Selangor shopping complex. The mall has since barred pets from enclosed indoor areas following a backlash online. Photos: Facebook/Sunway Square Mall
Trending in China

China cat survives after trapped in running washing machine, suffers just red nose

Curious feline spends several minutes inside spinning machine before owner notices; online critics accuse her of ‘negligence’.

Trending in China

Chinese woman with social anxiety feeds 120 stray cats with banquet leftovers

Woman has participated in wedding banquets about every 10 days in past 3 years, sometimes bringing home 30kg of untouched leftover food.

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The Philippines

Brutal dog killing in Philippines sparks outrage, calls for tougher protections

Viral footage of Axle the dog’s shocking death has galvanised the country’s animal activists to demand harsh legal repercussions.

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A photo of Axle circulating on social media (left) and a screenshot from the viral video showing the moments before the dog was fatally beaten in Sadanga, Mountain Province. Photos: Handout
Viral stories

Japan security guard’s bond with cat moves many; museum honours feline’s memory

Friendly feline made regular visits to play with venue guard; staff create calendar bearing photos of their interactions for posterity.

Animals

When did domestic cats arrive in Europe? Much later than previously thought

Domestic cats may have arrived in Europe 2,000 years ago via Roman trade routes, not with farmers in prehistoric times, a new study says.

Trending in China

Labrador lost on China beach found 1,500km away 3 months later, reunited with owner

‘Lazy’ canine called September wanders off with another dog, is found after exhaustive search; develops more ‘willing’ temperament as result.

A Labrador in China which wandered off in August has been found in November, 1,500 kilometers away from home. Photo: SCMP composite/163.com
Trending in China

China 3-legged puppy, destined to be put down, becomes effective SWAT police dog

Crime-fighting canine forms special emotional bond with his ‘comrade’ handler who also has leg problems; pair share sense of ‘hardship’.

A puppy born with three legs that was recommended for euthanasia by veterinarians has become a specialist police dog in China. Photo: SCMP composite/CCTV
Animals

What is ‘hobby dogging’? Trend of training imaginary dogs ridiculed online

‘Hobby dogging’, where dog lovers train with imaginary pets on the end of leashes and harnesses, has taken off in Germany.

Trending in China

Chinese woman’s pet alpaca dies from cold after groomers fail to dry it properly

Animal from species regarded as ‘pet celebrities’ online is considered adorable and intelligent, was left overnight with damp fur.

Trending in China

Elderly China woman tearfully hugs pet duck killed by car, mourns loss of companion

Many recognise that the duck had become the woman’s emotional anchor and spiritual support.

An elderly Chinese woman was seen grieving for her pet duck, which was killed by a car in a road accident. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
New Openings

Hong Kong new openings, from new music venue Tides to a pet club in West Kowloon

Italian pasticceria Cova reopens in Pacific Place, a new pickleball venue offers four indoor courts, and pets come first at WestK Pet Club.

WestK Pet Club offers pet-friendly bicycle rentals, among other things. Photo: courtesy West Kowloon Cultural District
South Korea

South Korea’s growing crisis of illegal puppy sales on YouTube spark concerns

One advocate group claims many animals are bred in poor conditions, with dogs kept in cramped, unsanitary cages and bred repeatedly for profit.

Sustainability

Is your pet’s dinner harming the environment as much as driving a car?

Your pet’s diet harms the planet more than you think – but there are ways to minimise carbon footprint while keeping your cat or dog full.

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Crime

Letters | Donkeys slaughtered for their skin is a tragedy on multiple levels

Readers discuss the illicit trade’s damage to animal, human and environmental well-being, and how the city can have both halal and pet-friendly restaurants.

Donkey skins, dried shark fins and other smuggled goods are displayed at a Hong Kong customs press conference on October 27. Photo: Jelly Tse
Trending in China

Outrage in China over release of 1,100 cats into reservoir in ‘life release’ ritual

Paddleboarders battle to save terrified felines as they struggle to swim during ‘Buddhist’ ritual; animal protection staff say many perished.

Trending in China

China pet owners honour Dog God, offer food, bless by placing leashes in incense ashes

Pet lovers flock to country’s only pagoda dedicated to canines, in search of protection, good fortune, health for their animals.

Trending in China

China blogger claims stray cats are bled by illicit blood bank for pet clinics

Woman says extraction process sees cats hung upside down to make sure every last drop of blood is drained from their bodies.

A blogger in China has exposed an illegal market in animal blood, claiming that stray cats are bled and their vital fluid sold to pet hospitals for high prices. Photo: Douyin
Viral stories

Turkish man pays US$240 in ‘cat support’ to ex-wife, highlights new divorce trend

Legal first sees well-being of felines taken care of until they die; legal experts say payments cannot be considered alimony.

A Turkish man has agreed to pay his ex-wife “cat support” of US$240 every three months as part of their divorce agreement. Photo: Shutterstock
China jobs

Who’s hiring in China? Pet care and advanced manufacturing stand out

Advanced manufacturing and ‘modern services’ led the way in job creation in third quarter, report says.

Trending in China

Chinese man quits ‘great job’ to provide therapy dogs which help autistic, depressed people

Animal therapy pioneer persists in face of opposition from his father to build a pioneering service that uses dogs, cats for healing.

Trending in China

Dog driving mobility scooter goes viral; China owner says pet can also skateboard

Clever canine that can start and stop specially modified vehicle using its paws is pulled over by police; owner gets verbal warning.

A video of a dog driving a mobility scooter has gone viral in China, attracting the attention of traffic police. Photo: Douyin
Trending in China

Explainer | Why Tibetan New Year offers feast for dogs and divinatory significance of food choices

Canine custom sees dogs choose from array of delicacies symbolising what future holds; owners must show reverence to animal throughout.

During the Tibetan Gongbu New Year, a unique dog feast takes place in which the dog’s food choices hold divinatory significance. Photo: Combo/Douyin/Xinhua
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

A perfect purr-scription? How ‘pet doctors’ can help Hong Kong hospital patients

Hospital Authority to allow palliative care patients to spend time with pets and already has volunteer animals to comfort those in need.

Animals

Dogs flying in cargo hold count as baggage, top EU court rules

A passenger’s pet, Mona, was lost after escaping from an aircraft, prompting a dispute over compensation from the airline.

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