‘Bring your pets if you emigrate’: Hong Kong animal-rights groups urge owners not to abandon pets

The number of dogs surrendered to the animal shelter group, Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR), has risen by 20-30 per cent. The group attributes the rise to the number of people leaving Hong Kong and has called on owners to take their pets with them when moving abroad. Figures from the city’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) show 262 animals were given up in the first half of 2021, but the AFCD said there has been no specific trend showing pets being surrendered because of emigration.