A 14-year-old local student was released on bail after being arrested for allegedly participating in an online mainland cat abuse network, police said on Wednesday.
Authorities earlier initiated an investigation after circulating social media posts prompted reports that a group of unknown individuals had been sharing graphic material depicting cat abuse with mainland cat-rescue groups via WeChat since last December.
After an in-depth investigation, the District Investigation Team of Sham Shui Po arrested the boy on Tuesday (Mar 3) at Fu Cheong Estate on suspicion of animal cruelty.
Sources indicate that the network comprises over 100 individuals, the majority of whom are minors, shared disturbing images and videos depicting acts of animal abuse, including beating, burning, dismemberment, and sexual assault against cats.
The arrested teen, a student at a government school in Kowloon, is believed to be one of the core members who planned and incited others to spread the disturbing content.
According to sources, the teen was previously apprehended by mainland authorities on February 25 upon returning to Hong Kong from the mainland.
He was reportedly given a five-day administrative detention for "disturbing public order," but was deferred due to his age.
The Hong Kong police are now investigating the teen's connection to the abuse footage and the sources of the circulated content. The suspect was released on bail on Tuesday evening.
Police reiterated that cruelty to animals is a serious offense, carrying a maximum penalty of a HK$200,000 fine and three years in prison.
The Education Bureau expressed great concern about the incident and has contacted the teen's school, stating that a follow-up through the school's internal disciplinary mechanisms is in place to reinforce education on proper values.
