A retired man, 61-year-old Cheng Wai Ming, who kept 130 cats and dogs in a 800 square feet flat and neglected them was only fined HK$50,000, payable with HK$200 per day. Cheng evaded the maximum penalty for animal cruelty which is a fine of HK$200,000 and three years imprisonment.
In October last year, the 130 cats and dogs were discovered stuffed in a small apartment because of the foul smell reported by neighbours. Almost all of the animals were ill from poor hygiene and lack of ventilation, with two puppies found dead. When police entered the flat, all the windows were closed and the dogs and cats were locked in cages filled with faeces without food or water.
At the Kwung Tong courts Cheng pleaded guilty and claimed he started purchasing dogs and cats from 2008 for breeding and selling purposes, but because of his old age and shoulder pain, he was unable to clean the flat. He could not afford to hire a cleaner either, and hence neglected the poor animals. Apple Daily reports Cheng also told the court that he loved animals and has enjoyed taking care of them since he was young.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
