Stinky situation leads to animal-abuse arrest

Wallis Wang

A 41-year-old woman was arrested for alleged animal abuse after keeping 33 cats - including one that had died - and a dog in her flat in Tai Po.

The flat was unsanitary and produced a strong odor from animal excrement, neighbors said, prompting many complaints.

Police received a report from a resident of Shin Lun House at Fu Shin Estate in the early hours yesterday, saying a foul smell was coming out of the unit on the 23rd floor.

No one answered the door when police and firefighters arrived. Upon breaking in, the officers discovered 33 cats - including a dead kitten - and a poodle. Five cats were in poor health.

Officers from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took the sick cats to the veterinarian for further examination and treatment.

The remaining 27 cats and the dog were taken away by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department staff.

The SPCA said it sent three kittens and two cats nearing adulthood for medical attention, and the dead kitten for autopsy.

Photos of the unit showed multiple cages for pets, as well as fecal stains on the floor. There were plastic and metal fences on the door.

It is understood that a family of four is living in the 200-square-foot unit. Sources said the animals were not in cages and had food and water, but there was no power supply when they were found.

Police contacted a female resident of the unit and she was arrested for alleged cruelty to animals when she reported at the station. She is being detained for investigation.

It is understood that the woman used to operate a pet store, which closed down a year ago, so she reportedly brought the cats to her home. Along the way she adopted more and many in the pack gave birth.

The apartment was sealed off, with a notice placed on the door instructing the occupants to contact the Tai Po police.

A neighbor said the family moved in about a year ago but they rarely came around, especially during the summer holiday.

She added that the last she saw them was two weeks ago.

"Their unit stinks so badly that we would cough from the smell," she said.

The neighbor also said they could hear barking at night, causing a nuisance.

Another neighbor said the bad odor has been getting stronger since June.

"The whole hallway would be filled with stench every time the door was opened," he said.

He added that the pets used to run out of the flat in the past before the occupants installed fences on the door.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com