Showing first hand the consequences of littering the coast and feeding wild animals, a popular bull that lived on Pui O beach on Lantau Island has been found dead with a stomach full of plastic.
If you needed any more convincing to dispose of waste correctly — and not to feed wild animals — well this should serve as that.
Billy, an 8-year-old bovine, was found dead on Friday, according to a statement on Facebook on a fan page created for the creature.
https://www.facebook.com/afcdgovhk/photos/a.2059814450929343/2238230126421107/?type=3&theater
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) also released a statement saying it was likely his death was caused by intestinal problems stemming from the plastic waste, which was enough to fill two trash cans.
The AFCD said Billy, as wild cattle, usually grazed on grassland in Pui O, on the south side of Lantau.
https://www.facebook.com/afcdgovhk/photos/p.2238744419703011/2238744419703011/?type=3&theater
However, during his roaming between the beach and nearby campsites, the friendly bull was likely fed by tourists, altering his eating habits and creating an association between plastic and food.
Netizens, commenting online, were devastated, leaving “farewell, Billy”, and “RIP Billy” comments on the AFCD’s Facebook post.
Some urged people to do their bit for the environment, use less plastic, and remind others not feed the cattle.
Others urged the authorities to do more like post banners in sites that have a lot of wild cattle reminding people not to feed the cattle.
One person remarked: “The relevant government departments need to step up publicity and education for residents and tourists, especially tourists. I have seen a lot of tourists feed the cattle at Po Lam Monastery, and they will simply drop the food on the floor and let them eat it.”
Reader Interactions