An animal cruelty investigation is underway in Ma On Shan after chemical laundry detergent balls were dumped into a residential estate water feature, resulting in the death of a fish and chemical burns to approximately 30 turtles, according to local reports. Management at Kam Ying Court Phase 2 immediately contacted the police following the incident.
Emergency Rescue and Animal Injuries
Rescue organization “Turtle Journey” and representative Ah Bong responded to the scene, recovering roughly 30 turtles from the contaminated water. According to Ah Bong, the strong alkaline chemical agents from the laundry spheres rapidly compromised the water quality. One fish died immediately on site, while the surviving turtles—including Reeve’s turtles, red-eared sliders, pond turtles, and Chinese stripe-necked turtles—sustained varying degrees of injuries. Some animals suffered chemical burns severe enough to turn their skin white. Ah Bong praised estate management for responding quickly by rescuing the affected turtles, cleaning the pool, and returning the animals afterward.
Did You Know?
A resident named Miss Lam noted that about a year prior to this incident, approximately 60 smaller turtles were abandoned in the exact same estate water feature and subsequently handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
Animal Welfare Criticisms and Abandonment Risks
Ah Bong strongly condemned the act, stating that dumping large amounts of chemical cleaning agents into a habitat shared by living creatures goes far beyond a harmless prank. He emphasized that the action equates to attempting to wipe out all life within the pond, noting that offenders must face legal accountability under animal protection laws. Beyond the poisoning incident, Ah Bong highlighted a persistent problem of illegal pet abandonment at the estate. Because the ornamental pool contains water, irresponsible individuals frequently use it as a dumping ground for aquatic animals, creating ongoing health and safety hazards.
Expert Insight
Addressing these risks requires structural preventive upgrades or facility redesigns to protect vulnerable wildlife from malicious intent and unlawful pet dumping.
Potential Security and Facility Changes
Following the chemical contamination, resident Miss Lam stated that she saw management notices posted on August 26 warning of the police report and reminding the public of penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance. Management also conducted multiple cleaning operations on the pool. To prevent future incidents, Ah Bong suggested that the estate management might install taller barriers or protective mesh around the perimeter to block unauthorized dumping and foreign objects. Alternatively, management could consider permanently closing or filling in the high-risk, high-maintenance water feature to convert the space into alternative green facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals were affected by the incident at Kam Ying Court?
According to rescue workers, one fish died on site and approximately 30 turtles—including red-eared sliders, Reeve’s turtles, pond turtles, and Chinese stripe-necked turtles—suffered chemical burns and skin damage.
How did the estate management respond to the situation?
Management immediately reported the incident to the police, posted warning notices regarding the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance on August 26, repeatedly cleaned the pool, and assisted in rescuing and returning the affected turtles.
What preventive measures have been proposed for the water feature?
Animal rescue representatives suggested installing higher fences or protective netting around the perimeter, or permanently closing and filling in the pool to convert it into green space.
What steps do you think housing estates should take to prevent animal abandonment in ornamental ponds?