Police arrest 2 in Hong Kong on suspicion of animal cruelty after birds attacked in separate incidents

In Hong Kong, the police have apprehended two individuals suspected of animal cruelty. They were reportedly seen assaulting birds in separate incidents. The authorities were notified about a man who was observed hurling stones at an egret at Tsing Yi Promenade, resulting in the bird's inability to fly. The police discovered the injured egret at the location and arrested a 68-year-old man. The bird was then transferred to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for further examination and treatment.

In a different incident, the police came across an online video of an elderly woman attempting to attack and capture several pigeons near Fung Mat Road in Sai Wan. A 74-year-old woman was subsequently arrested. In Hong Kong, animal cruelty can lead to a maximum of three years in prison and a fine of HK$200,000 (US$25,500).

The Hong Kong police have been investigating numerous animal cruelty incidents this year. Earlier this month, they were summoned after a deceased cat was discovered hanging from a tree in North Point. In another case, a 57-year-old hospital assistant was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after two cats plummeted to their deaths from a public housing estate block. She turned herself in to the authorities, claiming she had forgotten to close her window after retrieving clothes from a drying rack. In May, the police arrested a 66-year-old man on suspicion of animal cruelty after finding a wild pigeon with broken wings. Also in May, a nine-year-old Yorkshire terrier passed away about a week after undergoing surgery to remove 18 bone fragments from its fractured skull. The boyfriend of the pet owner’s mother was suspected of severely abusing the dog.