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| The cat reportedly fell from one of the flats in this high-rise building (Google photo) |
Hong Kong Police have confirmed the arrest of a Filipina domestic helper last Thursday, Oct. 30, on suspicion of animal cruelty.
The 26-year-old Filipina has since been released on
police bail, according to the Philippine Consulate.
The police said a passerby had called to report finding a cat that was lying motionless on a ground
near Heya Crystal estate on Castle Peak Road, Cheung Sha Wan.
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| TAWAG NA! |
The 1.5-year-old male Ragdoll cat was declared dead
at the scene, and was suspected to have fallen from height.
An investigation revealed the cat was owned by the
tenant of a flat in a high-rise building across the street where it was found.
Officers then arrested the helper at the flat on
suspicion of cruelty to animals, and was taken to the Sham Shui Po police
station for questioning.
Consulate officers say they are assisting the
suspect.
The crime of animal cruelty is punishable with a
maximum jail term of three years and a fine of $200,000.
But in February this year, more than 60 local animal
welfare organizations released a joint petition urging the maximum penalty to
be raised to seven years in prison and fines of up to $1 million, citing an alarming
increase in animal abuse cases in recent months.
Their statement cited a number of horrific animal
abuse cases in recent months, including the use of illegal traps, the wrapping
of cats to death and use of cat heads for ritual, and the recurrent poisoning of
animals even near residential areas.
The group also urged that individuals convicted of serious animal abuse be prohibited from keeping pets in future.
