Authorities from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) entered the “520 Stray Dog Station” in Yuen Long on June 11 following the arrest of the facility’s operator, Bella, on suspicion of animal cruelty. The operation, involving at least five large vehicles and multiple staff members equipped with capture gear, follows reports of a dog named “Daofeng” suffering from severe necrosis and pressure sores while under the facility’s care.
AFCD Operation at Yuen Long Facility
On the afternoon of June 11, AFCD personnel arrived at the facility located on Tsing Tam Road, Pat Heung. According to reports from the scene, approximately six to seven staff members wearing protective clothing and gloves entered the premises after the operator, Bella, opened the gates. The department deployed five large vehicles, and observers noted staff carrying multiple dog-catching poles.
While the department has not released a formal statement regarding the specific objective of the raid, sources indicate that officials may be planning to remove dogs from the site. There are also reports that the AFCD may conduct microchipping for the animals currently housed at the location.
The current investigation was triggered after the facility’s operator, Bella, brought a dog named “Daofeng” to the NPV Animal Hospital. Veterinarians discovered the animal had severe pressure sores and necrotic tissue on its hind legs, leading them to report the case to the police.
Context of the Investigation
The police arrest of the operator occurred on June 10, one day prior to the AFCD’s site visit. This is not the first time the Yuen Long facility has faced scrutiny; previously, the site was subject to complaints regarding dogs being kept in outdoor cages during rainy weather. However, a prior police investigation into those specific claims concluded that the situation did not meet the threshold for criminal animal cruelty.
The transition from a police-led criminal inquiry to an active AFCD site intervention often signals a shift in focus toward administrative and welfare-based compliance. When authorities arrive with specialized protective gear and heavy transport, it typically indicates a high-stakes assessment of the facility’s ability to maintain basic biological standards for the animals in their custody.
What Happens Next
The future of the dogs currently housed at the 520 Stray Dog Station remains uncertain. As the AFCD continues its onsite work, the department could decide to seize the animals if they are found to be in conditions that violate animal welfare standards. Because the facility’s operator is already under active police investigation, any evidence gathered by the AFCD during this visit may be shared with law enforcement to determine if additional charges are warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the facility operator arrested?
The operator, Bella, was arrested by police on June 10 on suspicion of animal cruelty following the medical treatment of a dog named “Daofeng,” who was found with severe injuries at an animal hospital.
What are the AFCD staff doing at the dog shelter?
The AFCD staff entered the shelter with capture equipment and protective gear. While the exact purpose remains under investigation, it is reported they may be preparing to remove the dogs from the premises or perform microchipping.
Has this facility been investigated before?
Yes, the facility was previously accused of keeping dogs in outdoor cages during rain. Police investigated those claims but determined at the time that the evidence did not constitute a criminal offense.
What steps should be taken to ensure the long-term welfare of the animals currently being held by authorities?
