Tues 22 March: An unacceptable state of affairs

The struggle to introduce some form of protection for breeder and pet shop dogs continues, and I was kicking myself for totally forgetting that the subject was (once again) on the Legco agenda so missed being there.  This is such an important attempt to get the proposed amendments to the Animal Trader Laws (Cap139b) passed, because right now there is nothing in place.  This is a shocking indictment of the Hong Kong Government, who have shown time and time again that animals are not worth protecting or helping in any way.  This is a link to the SPCA's latest update http://www.spca.org.hk/en/legco-2016 and the combined Animal NGO's letter of support http://www.legco.gov.hk/…/papers/fseh_awca20160322cb2-1112-

There are no laws in place to stop the suffering of breeding dogs, or their pups, and if you had seen the result of this in the discarded and worn out bitches that end up at HKDR or any of the other animal rescue organisations, you would be horrified.  Or sadly, maybe not, as the thriving puppy trade is supported by those who buy, and without buyers there would be no business. Such people shout about their right to choose, but when that choice means causing suffering to innocent victims then it is wrong.  There are no grey areas here, it's just wrong.

Bibs has very long nails indicating that he has never been walked

Rampant interbreeding happens all the time, whether in private homes between dogs that haven't been desexed or at breeding horror-houses where the offspring as sold as something they're not, because at a very young age most buyers can't tell the difference.   Terrier-type Scribble was one such dog, a very pretty and sweet young girl of unknown parentage, and today there was another arrival at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre, this time a boy.  Like Scribble, Bibs is one year old, very pretty and sweet-natured, and he was found tied to a lamp post in Lam Tin, New Territories. These dogs never have been microchipped and are the result of ignorance, stupidity, selfishness or greed, or all combined.

I was also asked today if we would take in two dogs from a home where the owner had instructed the Filipina helper to get rid of them, in any way, it didn't matter.  Both dogs are six years old, siblings I believe, with one looking like a Japanese spitz and the other another small and pretty mix.  Being male and female and not desexed I'm sure there have been litters produced, though there are no pups to be seen.  The owner does the same with his rottweilers I'm told, lets them breed and then gives away the puppies (or sells them).  This type of activity would be made illegal, or would at least have to be registered and licensed, if Cap139b was introduced, but right how there's nothing to stop people like this man from doing exactly what he wants.

Yet another shocking case of abuse and cruelty about which nothing can be done under the current non-existent laws is this one.  The video shows two Malinois (Belgian shepherds) living in small cages on a roof.  It is distressing just to see them, yet SPCA are powerless to help.  Here is a description of the situation by Narelle of Saikung Stray Friends, and you can see the video shared on our Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) Facebook page:

WELFARE VISIT - TWO CAGED DOGS MONG KOK ROOFTOP
A visit was carried out to this walk-up building in Mong Kok following reports of two dogs in cages and constantly barking.
Upon our inspection we saw the dogs confined in cages, one in a larger size and one in a smaller size cage. There was a canvas shelter roof cover. The smaller dog was turning round and around showing signs of total distress. Initially we thought they were male and female but both dogs are females. We were absolutely disgusted to see both dogs have "No Bark" Collars attached to their necks so this is why they recenty they have become more quiet. We went down to street level and spoke with a young man who said his brother owned the dogs. He said the dogs were walked daily but our reports told us only the larger dog goes occasionally for a walk but the small female does not leave her cage. Our talks were to establish if we could offer assistance to build a larger enclosure to give the dogs more freedom but this was rejected...we offerred to provide kennel accomodation to the dogs and we were told the owner would call us but we are still waiting. My question is, what is the purpose of having these two dogs and for what reason do they need to live a life of total confinement.....the smaller female is only 5 months old....she should be having lots of exercise and having some puppy fun and love. I dont unerstand or will never comprehend this selfish and uncaring attitude of people who do this to these very lovely dogs. Just treating them as if they are not living things with feelings and emotions. When leaving, I felt we accomplished absolutely zero and felt helpless knowing nothing will possibilty change for these two poor dogs. Obviously been bought just to breed. Shame breeders dont have any conscious or have any obligation to ensure the sale of dogs dont end up in such a torturous and tormented existence.