Government authorities have ordered the Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation on Tai Lam Wu Road in Sai Kung to halt operations at its crown land dog shelter by September 12, putting at least 70 dogs in urgent need of homes, according to the organization.
Urgent Appeal Issued for 70 Dogs Facing Displacement
The Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation stated that the Planning Department officially rejected its request to extend the approaching deadline. With only two days remaining before the cutoff, volunteers face a critical situation as they scramble to find temporary foster care or permanent adoption families for the affected animals. Most of the 70 dogs impacted by the government directive are medium or large breeds, which has slowed the adoption process because most inquiring members of the public specifically want small dogs, according to the rescue organization.
Did You Know? The Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation was established 15 years ago by Narelle Pamuk to help abandoned, injured, and homeless animals find temporary shelter and suitable families, and the facility currently houses more than 200 dogs in total.
Planning Dispute and Town Planning Board Application
The shelter site is situated within a conservation zone where keeping dogs is not a permitted use. The Planning Department notified the organization in June that it must cease using the crown land portion for dog housing by September 12. In response, the association submitted an application to the Town Planning Board to designate the current site as a three-year temporary animal boarding facility offering rescue, rehabilitation, and community education services. The Town Planning Board opened a three-week public consultation on the application running from August 28 to September 18, with details accessible via the Town Planning Board website (https://www.tpb.gov.hk/tc/plan_application/A_SK-HC_379.html).
Next Steps and Future Uncertainty
Volunteers report that they do not know what specific actions the government might take once the deadline passes, leaving the shelter’s immediate future uncertain. The organization continues to urge members of the public to step forward for adoption or fostering to secure placements for the displaced dogs. Anyone interested in providing a temporary foster home or adopting the dogs can contact the association directly through their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/saikungstrayfriendshk).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation required to stop using parts of its dog shelter?
According to the rescue organization, the facility is located within a conservation zone where keeping dogs is prohibited, prompting the Planning Department to issue a notice regarding the crown land portion.
How many dogs are affected by the September 12 deadline?
The organization states that at least 70 dogs housed on the affected portion of the site face displacement and are urgently seeking homes.
How can the public help the affected animals?
Interested individuals can apply to adopt or foster the dogs by contacting the Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation directly through their official Facebook page or by participating in the ongoing Town Planning Board public consultation.
What steps can our community take to better support rescue organizations facing strict land-use constraints?
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