Bowen Road Poisoner is back: The SPCA (HK) reminds Dog owners and walkers to be alert to suspicious food items along Black・s Link
(HONG KONG, October 13 2008) The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) [SPCA (HK)] is alerting dog owners and dog walkers that the risk of dogs being poisoned walking along Bowen Road and Black・s Link remains high.
Today, a member of public found a piece of poison bait on Black・s Link and reported to the police. Regional Crime Unit, Hong Kong Island investigated the scene immediately and poison bait was found in a number of spots along Black・s Link.
More than 100 dogs have died after ingesting food tainted with poisonous substances. Actual figures are likely to be higher as not all owners will report their pet・s death to the SPCA Inspectorate Hotline (Hotline number 2711-1000).
：Owners and dog walkers are reminded that they should keep their dogs close to them instead of letting them run off-leash and out of sight. We also recommend that a basket muzzle be placed on your dog to protect them from picking up anything along the path, otherwise walk your dog in a way where you can see what he is sniffing,； says Tony Ho, Chief Superintendent at the SPCA.
According to the SPCA (HK), dog owners are also advised to carry with them a small amount of washing soda crystals which can be placed at the base of the tongue to induce vomiting if their dog shows signs of poisoning whilst rushing to the nearest veterinary clinic. Lastly, the SPCA reminds all owners and dog walkers that if their dog has been poisoned, they should report the incident to the Police and the SPCA immediately so that actions can be taken to locate the culprit(s) and pick up any remaining tainted meat in order to prevent more dogs from being poisoned.
Washing soda crystals are available at the Dispensary of the SPCA Wanchai Headquarters and interested parties can call 2802 0501 for enquiries.
The SPCA continues to promote responsible pet ownership and proper etiquette when walking dogs, especially along Bowen Road and Black・s Link. Information leaflets in Chinese, English, Tagalog and Indonesian have been handed out to visitors to these areas by SPCA Inspectors・ on patrol duty. Bilingual posters in the area also remind owners and dog walkers to take care and be observant. Contact numbers of the Regional Crime Unit, Task Force Sub-Unit of the Happy Valley Division, Hong Kong Police as well as the 24-hour SPCA Inspectorate hotline are included on these posters.
The SPCA would like to remind anyone witnessing anything suspicious should report the incident to the Regional Crime Unit and the Task Force Sub-Unit of the Hong Kong Police Force・s Happy Valley Division at once.
The SPCA would like to announce the combined reward for information provided to the SPCA (HK) Inspectorate and the Hong Kong Police Force leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the poisoning of dogs in the Bowen Road and Black・s Link area has been increased to HK$160,000 with immediate effect. Members of the public walking along the area are invited to keep an eye on anything suspicious.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HK) The SPCA (HK), founded in 1921 by a group of volunteers has throughout the decades promoted kindness to animals, protection of their well-being, fought animal abuse, and broadcasted the message RESPECT FOR LIFE BEGINS WITH CONCERN FOR ANIMALS far and wide through education campaigns.
Led by Chief Superintendent Tony Ho and Chief Inspector Bobby Wong, members of the SPCA (HK) Inspectorate Team provide round-the-clock animal rescue and inspectorate services across the territory. In 2006-07, the Inspectorate hotline received almost 39,000 calls, conducted 1,393 rescue operations helping more than 5,400 animals. The team has also conducted 782 cruelty complaint investigations, handing out 149 advisories and instigating 13 prosecution cases.
