Hong Kong Teen Arrested After Cat Dies at Clinic
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after he took an eight-month-old cat to an animal medical centre in Cheung Sha Wan on August 10, where veterinarians found the animal had already died. The case came to light after clinic staff said the boy, who had been temporarily caring for the cat for a female classmate, gave several inconsistent explanations about how the animal was injured
Key Points
- Staff at the Cheung Sha Wan animal medical centre said a Putonghua-speaking male student arrived last Monday afternoon, August 10, carrying the cat in a pet carrier and asking for emergency treatment
- Veterinarians found the cat had no breathing or heartbeat, with blood around its mouth and nose, sand and dirt on its skin, a soaked body and incontinence
- The boy said he had been keeping the cat for about a month on behalf of a female classmate, then contacted her by video call at the clinic
- After speaking with the veterinarian and the owner, the girl decided not to proceed with resuscitation efforts for the cat
- Clinic staff said the boy gave at least four versions of events, including claims involving spilled water, confinement in a bathroom, spraying with a shower and hitting with a broom
Why It Matters
Police said their investigation found the student had slapped and kicked the cat at home earlier that day, leading to his arrest for suspected cruelty to animals. The cat's body was handed to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for further follow-up, indicating the case may continue beyond the initial arrest