The 5th East Kowloon Animal Carnival was Successfully Held. Residents and Pets Joined Together to Promote Animal Protection, Drug Prevention, and Fraud Prevention

The Regional Crime Prevention Office, Kowloon East (RCPO KE) successfully held the "5th East Kowloon Animal Carnival" at AquaBeat 01 in Kwun Tong on January 25th. The carnival, themed "Animal Protection, Drug Prevention, and Fraud Prevention," attracted over 1,800 residents, students, and families. Many attendees brought their pets, engaging in the on-site activities together in a joyful atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of human-pet harmony in the community.

The Regional Crime Prevention Office, Kowloon East (RCPO KE) successfully held the "5th East Kowloon Animal Carnival" at AquaBeat 01 in Kwun Tong on January 25th. Photo source: the Hong Kong Police Force

Lovely animals presented at the carnival, Photo source: the Hong Kong Police Force

Since October 2011, the Hong Kong Police Force has implemented the "Animal Watch Scheme", which has now developed into the Animal Watchers Programme (AWP). Collaborating with various related government departments, professional institutions, universities, and animal welfare groups, the AWP focuses on combating acts of cruelty to animals through a four-pronged approach of education, publicity, intelligence gathering, and investigation. The carnival this year, as one of the community outreach activities of the AWP, aimed to convey a message of animal care and respect for life to the public.

Ms. Tse Tsui Yan (middle) enjoyed the carnival with the attended students. Photo source: the Hong Kong Police Force

The fraud prevention education should start from childhood. Photo source: the Hong Kong Police Force

Ms. Tse Tsui Yan, the Regional Commander of Kowloon East, addressed the ceremony, thanking the cooperating organizations and community members for their support. She pointed out that animal care and maintaining community safety share a common belief, both based on respect for life and fulfilling responsibilities. She emphasized that drug prevention and fraud prevention are also crucial to community safety, urging residents to be vigilant and work together to maintain community harmony.

The carnival combined educational and interactive activities. Photo source: the Hong Kong Police Force

The carnival combined educational and interactive activities. Key events included the "Animal Best Friends" photography exhibition, showcasing students' work to convey messages of animal care; the introduction of student ambassadors from "Animal Care Corner" schools who brought their school's animals to personally explain the importance of animal protection; a police dog demonstration to help residents be acquainted with the work of police dogs; and the promotion of an animal adoption booth for the importance of responsible pet ownership. Several organizations dedicated to animal care and promoting human-pet harmony also participated, conveying the information of animal protection through exhibitions and interactive activities.

The police dog demonstration helped residents to be acquainted with the work of police dogs. Photo source: the Hong Kong Police Force

The carnival also promoted fraud prevention and drug prevention information, featuring interactive educational booths that deepened citizens' understanding of crime prevention, drug prevention, and fraud prevention via interesting games, as well as enhanced the community safety awareness. Moreover, a pet play area and photo spots were also set up, allowing residents to enjoy a period of joyful time with their pets. The dramas played by students and dance performances added to the festive atmosphere, creating a friendly community environment.

Many residents have enjoyed a period of joyful time with their pets. Photo source: the Hong Kong Police Force

Five dogs have died in a series of suspected cruelty to animals cases in Lok Ma Chau, but no arrests have been made so far.

Five dogs have died in a series of suspected cruelty to animals cases in Lok Ma Chau. Photo source: FB of Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation

Police have received four reports since February 16th regarding the discovery of five dogs suspected to have been poisoned in an open space on Liu Pok Road in Lok Ma Chau. Following preliminary investigations, the case has been classified as "cruelty to animals" and is being followed up by the Border District Crime Investigation Team. The carcasses of the five dogs have been transferred to the relevant agencies for post-mortem.

Police pulled out the dog's carcass. Photo source: FB of Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation

A dog's carcass, Photo source: FB of Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation

The animal organization "Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation" has recently published several posts on its social media, stating that volunteers found several dead dogs in Lok Ma Chau while providing supplies to stray animals, some of which were suspected to have been poisoned. The organization has reported to the police and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to handle the situation.

A dog was found dead at Lok Ma Chau. Photo source: FB of Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation

The organization also stated that volunteers have taken at least three dogs from the area for temporary shelter and appealed to the public for help in temporary care or adoption to protect the unharmed dogs.

Photo source: FB of Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation