Mummy with some of her puppies
Stray dogs living on the Hong Kong and China border live an unfairly harsh and tough life. Narelle, with the support of SKSFF volunteers and donors, is fiercely determined to improve their lives through desexing and preventing hunger and disease. A pup, as young as six months can breed, with family inbreeding commonplace.
SKSFF’s mission is for all stray dogs in HK to be desexed. We believe this should be an unlimited free service supported by the HKSAR government, which would require a massive expansion of their existing sponsored programmes. This would also reduce the number of dogs being destroyed each month by the AFCD.
Last week a Hong Kong and China border dog was found giving birth to 15 pups of which three passed away shortly after birth. While 15 pups are highly unusual, it does show how easily stray populations can expand. SKSFF are now caring for this active family and seeking “forever homes” for the remaining healthy pups. We need adopters and foster families in the coming weeks.
The backstory of these pups arriving is a sad one. Mummy is only seven months old and the father is her brother. There are likely multiple fathers as the keeper of this young girl does nothing to protect her from other dogs. This keeper has previously refused to allow SKSFF to desex the dogs. Over the years SKSFF has taken many dogs from him, all starving and heartworm positive. He recently handed over a young female after receiving a new pup.
When we arrived at the site a few weeks ago the seven-month-old brother was unable to move, left in severe pain by the owner following a vehicle injury onsite. Brother is a very sweet boy and his life is precious. Narelle took him to Concordia Vet Clinic in Happy Valley who nursed his rib fractures, mild pneumothorax (air leak from lungs) and operated on his elbow fracture. His vet treatment cost HK$87,685.66 and he is still recovering in our shelter. The keeper refused to facilitate medical care and had asked us to put him to sleep.
It was only with persistence when tending the brother that the keeper allowed us to see the Mummy. He reluctantly let us take her after we reminded him that his pigs would eat the new-born babies. He forced us to promise to return a total of five dogs including some puppies. SKSFF’s does it best to honour promises but in cases of animal cruelty, our values must be honoured too. These difficult situations are heart wrenching to manage and are common in communities that do not value the welfare of animals.
On a happier note, Mummy dog is now being supported to care for her pups at our shelter and amazingly was soon wagging her tail after giving birth, not really understanding what happened to her. We welcome donations towards Brother’s medical costs and we encourage adopters and foster families to get in contact by completing our online form.
SKSFF are holding two adoption events this weekend, 24-25 February. See posters above for details. Dog lovers interested to join as volunteers to assist at these adoption events, can register by sending WhatsApp 9199 2340. Volunteer’s tasks will include taking care of the dogs, cleaning, handing out pamphlets, collecting donations and speaking to the public visiting the event. Child volunteers aged 13 years old or under are required to be accompanied by an adult guardian.
Donation options can be found online and below
HSBC bank transfer: Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation Ltd., 124-073891-838
PayMe: use SKSFF QR code at the link above
PayPal: saikungstrayfriendshk@gmail.com
Please email your donation receipt to donatesaikungstrayfriendshk@gmail.com including the donors name and a tax deduction receipt will be provided for donations over HKD100.
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