The Hong Kong Society for Pet Nutrition expresses its deep sorrow and strong condemnation regarding the suspected animal cruelty resulting in death that has been widely reported in the media recently in Cheung Sha Wan.
According to public reports, a 14-year-old Mandarin-speaking male student, while temporarily caring for an 8-month-old kitten belonging to a classmate, took the kitten, which showed no signs of life, to an animal medical center on August 10. Clinic staff and veterinarians found the kitten bleeding from its mouth and nose, soaking wet, incontinent, with mud and sand on its skin, and unusual injuries. The male student appeared panicked, had fresh scratches on his hands, and gave inconsistent accounts of the cause of his injuries, claiming that the cat "ran around and injured itself," "was frightened after knocking over a water glass," and that he had confined the cat in the toilet and sprayed it with water from a showerhead, and chased it into a cage with a broom. Following an investigation, police suspected that someone had slapped and kicked the cat at home and arrested the teenager on suspicion of "cruelty to animals." The cat's remains have been handed over to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for follow-up.
The Society strongly condemns all forms of animal cruelty. Animals are not objects, but sentient beings capable of feeling and suffering. Even if the perpetrators are minors, this cannot be an excuse for disregarding life or committing violence. Failure to provide proper care during temporary care, or even suspected abuse resulting in death, severely violates basic animal welfare responsibilities and social morality.
We urge:
• Law enforcement agencies to continue their thorough investigation, handle the matter according to law, bring the truth to light, and hold those responsible accountable;
• All sectors of society (including families, schools, and communities) to strengthen life education and empathy cultivation for young people, so that the next generation understands the importance of respecting life;
• Pet owners must carefully select reliable individuals when entrusting their pets with care and clearly state their care requirements;
• Members of the public who discover any suspected cases of animal cruelty should immediately report to the police or notify relevant organizations such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The Hong Kong Pet Nutrition Society has always been committed to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, and continues to promote related education and advocacy. We believe that only through the collective protection of every life can we build a more civilized and compassionate community.
Hong Kong Pet Nutrition Society
August 17, 2026
