Man Arrested After Laundry Pods Thrown Into Estate Pond
SingTao · 4 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A pond at Kam Ying Court Phase 2 in Ma On Shan was found foaming after a large quantity of chemical laundry pods was thrown into the water in the early hours of 26 August, according to reports and an animal rescue group’s account. The alkaline chemicals polluted the water, leaving one fish dead and more than 30 turtles with injuries including skin turning white from apparent chemical burns. Estate staff removed the affected turtles, cleaned the pond and refilled it, while police later arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of cruelty to animals. The rescue group Turtle Path condemned the act as effectively the killing of all life in the pond and said the wider problem stemmed from abandoned pet turtles being left in estate water features.
Key Points
- Police said a security guard in a Ma On Shan estate reported abnormal water quality and heavy foam in a turtle pond on the morning of 26 August.
- Turtle Path said the laundry pods were deliberately thrown into the pond during the early hours, and the strong alkaline chemicals rapidly contaminated the water.
- One fish died at the scene, while more than 30 turtles of several species suffered injuries, including skin corroded or bleached white by chemicals.
- Estate management staff immediately removed and washed the turtles, emptied the pond, carried out deep cleaning, refilled it and returned the animals.
- After reviewing CCTV footage, Sha Tin district investigators arrested a 42-year-old man on 28 August for suspected cruelty to animals, and he was detained.
Why It Matters
The case raises immediate concerns for Hong Kong housing estates that keep ornamental ponds or water features where abandoned animals may gather, creating safety, hygiene and legal risks for management offices. Turtle Path said such ponds can become dumping grounds for unwanted aquatic pets and urged physical barriers, or even permanent closure or redevelopment, to prevent further harm.