Hongkongers traditionally believe that turtles are a symbol of good luck, but if you were unsuspectingly hit in the head by one, you would be forgiven for thinking otherwise.
A 29-year-old man walking near a housing estate in Kwai Chung Tuesday evening was struck by a turtle falling from a window, causing injuries to his head. The 29-year-old, surnamed Feng, was conscious and called the police. He was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment, HK01 reported
The turtle, found bleeding and with a cracked shell at Kwai Hing Estate, did not survive. Its carcass was taken away by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for examination.
Before the incident, the turtle was kept in a terrarium on the windowsill. It is believed to have climbed out of the open window and fallen to the ground.
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The turtle owner, a 56-year-old man surnamed Hui, was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty.
If found guilty, he could face a maximum fine of HK$200,000 (US$25,760) and three years’ imprisonment. He was released on bail Wednesday, according to the police.
According to local media, a five-foot-long turtle smashed into a man’s vehicle traveling along Queen’s Road West in Sai Wan in 2015, shattering the car’s windshield into pieces. The driver survived the bizarre incident without injury, and the turtle, suffering a scratched shell, was taken away for further examination.
