In a recent incident that has drawn attention to animal welfare laws in Hong Kong, an 89-year-old man was arrested for allegedly killing a pigeon by throwing a stone at it in a playground in San Po Kong, Kowloon. The event occurred on October 24, 2024, when a resident reported the attack around 2 PM. A member of the Hong Kong Pigeon Research group witnessed the elderly man, dressed in an orange shirt, strike the pigeon, which succumbed to its injuries approximately 45 minutes later. Another individual was also seen throwing a stone at a different pigeon, although that bird managed to escape unharmed [4fc9d6c2].
This incident comes on the heels of Hong Kong's new regulations that impose strict penalties for harming feral birds, including a hefty on-the-spot fine of HK$5,000 (around US$641) for feeding them. As of September 1, 2024, the maximum penalty for breaches of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance has increased to HK$100,000 (approximately US$12,900) and could include a one-year prison term for serious violations. The government has emphasized that these measures are designed to protect wildlife and address public health concerns associated with feral bird populations [56ead489].
The arrest of the elderly man has sparked discussions about the enforcement of animal protection laws in Hong Kong and the public's role in reporting such incidents. The Hong Kong government has been actively promoting public education to raise awareness about the implications of feeding and harming wildlife, particularly in areas identified as 'black spots' for feral bird populations [56ead489]. This incident, alongside the new regulations, underscores the ongoing efforts to balance urban wildlife management with community health and safety [4fc9d6c2].