Five sick cats taken away from Yuen Long pet shelter suspected of cruelty to animals

A pet shelter in Yuen Long has been accused of failing to meet animal welfare standards. Personnel from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and police have taken away five sick cats from the shelter on Friday in a joint raid. 

One of the cats’ health rapidly deteriorated and died. The case is classified as “suspected cruelty to animals,” and no arrests have been made so far. 

Appalling conditions and over a hundred dogs without valid dog licenses were found at the shelter in previous joint raids by SPCA, AFCD and the police. 

Named 520DogSupport and located in Shui Tsiu San Tsuen, the shelter refuted the allegations on Facebook, reiterating that it did not abuse animals and stating that they had been improving conditions.

It is understood that SPCA had received numerous complaints alleging that the pet kennel failed to meet animal welfare standards. 

SPCA conducted a surprise raid with AFCD and the police on January 21, and issued advice and warnings upon poor conditions. In a follow up investigation conducted by AFCD on February 3, 

199 dogs were found at the shelter, 135 of which lacked valid dog licenses. 

On Friday, the environment was found to have slightly improved, but 23 cats, 5 dogs, and 3 birds were found in one of the rooms which was extremely filthy.

Four cats showed signs of feline influenza, and one cat had an old wound. They were taken away by SPCA for further treatment. 

Although veterinarians found some animals to be in critical condition, police investigations concluded there was insufficient evidence to suggest the dog shelter had violated animal cruelty regulations. 

The SPCA stated that some individuals adopt large numbers of animals out of goodwill but, due to limited resources or capabilities, are unable to provide proper care, resulting in serious neglect.

It urged all animal shelter owners and volunteers to carefully assess their capabilities and act within their means to ensure that every animal they care for receives appropriate care and basic welfare.