Surge in abandoned animals amid land clearance for Northern Metropolis project
Pets and guard dogs left to fend for themselves due to lack of government rehoming policy, with animal welfare group’s clinic ‘overwhelmed’
The preparatory land resumption in the New Territories has triggered a growing animal welfare crisis, as many residents and business operators abandon pets or guard dogs ahead of government clearance deadlines.
A South China Morning Post reporter observed nearly 10 stray dogs roaming in Man Kam To beside the mainland Chinese border, while one of the few remaining factories in the area kept five guard dogs.
Animal rights advocates have called the situation critical and urged authorities to establish permanent sites to resettle displaced animals.
Kent Luk Ka-chit, founder of the Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter, said that many dogs and cats in rural areas traditionally served as guard animals or rodent control.