HONG KONG – Authorities in Hong Kong’s Tseung Kwan O district are investigating a disturbing incident where a Golden Retriever was allegedly confined to a high-rise apartment balcony and struck by an individual, sparking widespread outrage after video footage surfaced online late last week.
The incident occurred at a top-floor unit within the LOHAS Park Malibu residential complex. On Thursday, April 4, a video approximately 40 seconds long was posted to the social media platform Threads, showing a distressed Golden Retriever repeatedly jumping and barking while attempting to push against a glass balcony door. At one point, a woman with long hair briefly opened the door only to allegedly hit the dog on the head with what appeared to be a slipper before swiftly closing the door, preventing the animal from entering the apartment.
Community Concern Triggers Inquiry
Bystanders who filmed and shared the footage expressed deep concern, arguing that the animal was being treated cruelly. The original poster noted that they had frequently observed the dog confined to the balcony, regardless of weather conditions, citing instances during the 35-degree Celsius summer heat and the recent cold.
“They are not just pets; for many of us, they are family. Would you trap your family on a cold balcony?” the user wrote, highlighting the sentiment felt by many local residents concerning animal welfare.
Police confirmed they received a report around noon on Saturday, April 6, detailing allegations that the Golden Retriever had been confined to the balcony and abused on Thursday. Officers dispatched to the scene confirmed the dog, a 4-year-old male measuring 1.5 meters, appeared healthy and showed no immediate signs of physical injury.
The police have temporarily classified the case as a “miscellaneous matter” while the investigation proceeds.
Collaboration with Animal Welfare Groups
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) confirmed that their inspectors had been involved in responding to the concern. The SPCA stated that staff had visited the unit on Friday, April 5, alongside property management personnel. During that inspection, the dog was not found on the balcony, and they were unable to immediately contact the owner.
The SPCA emphasized its strong condemnation of mistreating animals and acknowledged that the police are now involved. They vowed full cooperation with law enforcement and stressed that animals should never be left alone on balconies for extended periods, especially given the potential for severe distress and neglect. They reiterated that violence against animals in any form is unacceptable.
“Leaving a dog alone on a balcony for extended periods neglects the animal’s basic needs and can cause immense stress and harm,” an SPCA spokesperson noted.
The SPCA confirmed that they requested property management to assist in contacting the dog’s owners for a follow-up discussion regarding the animal’s welfare and care. They noted that their initial contact with the residents recommended that the balcony door should remain open to allow the dog access to the indoor environment.
This incident has reignited public debate in Hong Kong regarding the accountability of pet owners and the enforcement of animal protection laws, underscoring the growing public vigilance towards potential animal abuse. Should evidence of abuse be substantiated, individuals could face charges under Hong Kong’s strict animal welfare ordinances.
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