In a recent development concerning animal welfare in Hong Kong, Dai Mui, the second missing dog from Po Lin Monastery, was found and returned home on September 22, 2024. This discovery came just ten days after the first dog, Sai Mui, was rescued on September 11, 2024. Both dogs were reportedly taken and abandoned by kitchen workers at the monastery and were subsequently treated at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) [8c1d1aa7].
The police notified the monastery about the sighting of a dog resembling Dai Mui, leading to its recovery. In response to the incidents, the monastery has expressed deep concern regarding the treatment of the dogs and is actively working to implement measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. To aid in the investigation, rewards totaling HK$100,000 were offered by Kent Luk Ka-jeep and Mary Jean Reimer for information leading to the dogs' whereabouts [8c1d1aa7].
These events come amidst a broader context of increasing concern for stray and abandoned dogs in Hong Kong's New Territories, where rapid land development has led to overcrowded shelters and public health risks. Lawmakers and animal welfare advocates are calling for more support and resources to address the growing issue of stray dogs, urging the government to establish long-term shelters and implement comprehensive animal welfare policies [854288dd].
The recent incidents at Po Lin Monastery highlight the ongoing challenges faced by animal welfare organizations in Hong Kong, as they work to protect vulnerable animals from mistreatment and abandonment. The community's response to these events underscores a growing awareness and commitment to animal rights in the region [7c9efa47].