Put Pet Relocation Plans On A Leash For Now: Expert

The gruesome discovery last week on two beaches of dead animal bodies in pet carriers has put the spotlight on the plight of dogs and cats separated from their owners because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The fear is that smugglers on their way to the mainland had dumped the animals overboard, while fleeing the police.

Earlier this month, marine police seized a dozen dogs in an anti-smuggling operation. Seven people have since been arrested on suspicion of pet smuggling, with the force suspecting that people on the mainland were paying tens of thousands of dollars to be reunited with their pets.

Dr Matthew Murdoch, a director of Ferndale Kennels and Cattery – a pet relocation expert – said the restrictions on the border between Hong Kong and the mainland and limited commercial flights are adding to the dilemma for pet owners.

Murdoch said before the pandemic, people flying back to southern China from overseas would use Hong Kong airport to transport their pets. But the border closure has stopped that, he said.

He told RTHK’s Richard Pyne that pet owners who plan to relocate are better advised to postpone plans for moving the pets as regulations in countries keep changing due to the pandemic.