Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15
Focussing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.
(Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)
For over 104 years, the SPCA has stood as the largest and oldest animal welfare organisation in Hong Kong. Every single day, we dedicate ourselves to ending animal cruelty, alleviating suffering, and protecting the health and well-being of all creatures—both wild and companion animals, whether they have homes or not.
Though Hong Kong is small, its bustling population means that countless animals live among us. The last census in 2019 estimated over 400,000 pets, but more recent studies from 2023 reveal a staggering surge to over a million. These million souls are voiceless in our society, and at the SPCA, we passionately advocate for their welfare. But there are concerning trends that we must address together.
Did you know that our animal legislation dates back to 1935? It’s time for a crucial update from the Legislative Council so we can adequately protect these vulnerable animals from abuse and neglect. We need stronger laws, like updates to the Duty of Care legislation, to empower law enforcement to prosecute those who mistreat our furry friends.
This is why we tirelessly promote responsible pet ownership. Caring for a pet is a lifelong commitment. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a troubling rise in pet abandonment—especially among cats. In 2024 alone, we’ve witnessed an alarming 11% increase, with some days seeing up to 14 cats left behind, often entire families abandoned at streets or refuse centers.
Too often, owners fall prey to unscrupulous breeders who care more about profit than the well-being of animals. Many pets come to us sick, sometimes with severe health issues that their new owners are unprepared to manage. This leads to heart-wrenching abandonment, further straining our resources as we care for these vulnerable creatures.
Despite our new 93,000 sq ft center in Tsing Yi, we often find ourselves at full capacity, caring for sick animals whose recovery takes time. Every adoption creates an opportunity for another animal in need, and with over 400 animals currently in our care, your choice to adopt can save lives.
We encourage you to “Adopt, Don’t Shop.” Our four adoption centers are open every day, with no appointment necessary. Last year, we even launched an app that lets you swipe to find your future furry companion—just like a dating app!
As a proud mongrel owner, I can personally attest to the immense joy and well-being pets can bring into our lives. Yet, we recognise that pet ownership can be challenging in a bustling city like Hong Kong. While we celebrate the growth of pet-inclusive spaces and parks to over 200, we know there’s much more to be done.
That’s why we’re committed to educating everyone on the importance of pet inclusivity. We’ve trained staff at banks and shopping malls to welcome our furry friends and even hosted dog-friendly movie screenings. We aim to foster understanding and respect between pet owners and non-pet owners, emphasizing safety and hygiene.
Our workshops, like those on socializing city dogs, help ensure that everyone can enjoy public spaces harmoniously. We’ve also launched initiatives like “Bring Your Dog to Work,” encouraging companies to embrace the presence of pets in the workplace. The benefits for mental wellness and collaboration are profound, and we’re excited to help more organizations adopt these policies.
We’re also making strides with transportation providers to allow pets on public transport, with exciting developments like affordable pet tours launched by KMB in 2024. Stay tuned for more good news in 2025!
It’s important to note that we only receive 1% of our funding from the government. We rely heavily on the generosity of public donations and the revenue from our veterinary services to support our mission. Imagine caring for over 400 animals every day—your support truly makes a difference. You can support us by participating in our events, using our veterinary services, purchasing from our online and offline retail store or donating to us help make an impact in animal welfare.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all our donors and volunteers who help us improve the welfare of our rescue animals. I look forward to meeting more prospective adopters and passionate pet owners in 2025. Together, let’s ensure that all animals are treated with the compassion and respect they so richly deserve.
September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, established on September 10, 2003, by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Suicide is a global concern and a serious public health issue in every country. This day aims to call on governments, suicide prevention associations and agencies, local communities, healthcare workers, and volunteers to join in various local actions, collectively raising public awareness of the importance of suicide prevention and reducing suicide rates.
Most annual holidays are celebrations, but World Suicide Prevention Day evokes sadness. There is nothing to celebrate on this day; it serves as a reminder that our work is not yet done, as the number of suicides remains alarming. Nearly 700,000 people die by suicide each year worldwide, with someone taking their life every 40 seconds. According to a report from the Hong Kong Coroner's Court, there were 1,092 suicide deaths in Hong Kong in 2023, averaging 2.99 deaths per day, the highest number since 2003. The number of elderly suicides in 2022 broke the record since 1973. Although the figure in 2023 is slightly lower than in 2022, it still accounts for the largest number of suicide deaths in many years.
Elderly suicides may be related to the death of their spouses and the emigration of their children. Older individuals are less likely to seek help from hotlines or online resources, resulting in a higher proportion of suicides compared to other age groups. Youth suicides have also continued to rise in recent years, increasing from 130 cases in 2021 to 159 cases in 2023. In addition to the societal atmosphere, the high expectations placed on young people are also contributing factors to suicide. However, suicide is preventable.
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide," which aims to shift perceptions of suicide from a taboo subject to one that can be openly and honestly discussed, drawing greater attention to the issue. In recent years, local governments have actively strengthened suicide prevention efforts, such as removing the stigma surrounding suicide, enhancing emotional support services, and promoting the message of cherishing life. The rising suicide rates among the elderly and youth in Hong Kong are particularly concerning. The government has implemented various targeted measures, such as the "4Rs Mental Health Charter" focused on school children's mental health, to assist schools in promoting students' physical and mental well-being. Our organization has also participated in this initiative, providing immediate crisis intervention, in-depth counselling services, mental health promotion, and life education.
However, government resources may not be sufficient. Therefore, we suggest that authorities increase staffing in schools to help address the student suicide crisis and proactively reach out to the elderly to provide emotional support. We hope that the societal atmosphere will become more open regarding suicide, which can improve the current situation: parents can support their children and avoid exerting pressure. At the same time, the government should adjust the current education system to provide more opportunities for young people to develop their talents. Children can listen to and accompany their elders more, actively expressing concern. Everyone can take an extra step to walk alongside friends and family members experiencing emotional problems, alleviating their mental stress.
With technological advancements, The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong has also expanded its existing online suicide prevention services. The "ChatPoint" online chat service has increased staffing and extended service hours, allowing more individuals to seek help, particularly targeting the younger generation and those accustomed to using online channels for support, aiming to provide more appropriate assistance to reduce their risk of suicide.
As a member of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong aligns with international standards. In addition to providing a variety of suicide crisis intervention services and early life education that emphasizes the importance of cherishing life, it also assists Southeast Asia and neighbouring regions in establishing organizations with similar goals. We hope to strengthen suicide prevention efforts, allowing our experiences to support others in this critical work. We encourage all sectors of society to unite as guardians, caring for those experiencing emotional distress in the workplace, school, neighbourhood, and home. Our organization is committed to providing assistance and raising social awareness about the issue of suicide.
This morning, I'd like to dedicate " Don't Give Up " by Mia Stegner to everyone who's going through a tough time and facing challenges in their lives.