SCMP reported on 7/2 that animal welfare advocates in Hong Kong are urging the government to establish a list of permissible pet species, following the discovery of an abandoned giant alligator snapping turtle that was preying on fish belonging to residents in the New Territories.

Farmers in the area had recently reported a mysterious and significant decline in their farmed fish, with many found bitten in half. It was only after draining the pond that residents discovered the turtle, weighing 85 kg and measuring about one meter in length.

Bon Chan Chung-pong, founder of the animal welfare group Turtle's Inn, stated he received a call informing him that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department had captured the turtle in Yuen Long on 13/1.

The alligator snapping turtle abandoned by its owner in Hong Kong. Photo: SCMP

Chan, who has studied turtles for three decades, subsequently negotiated to transfer the turtle into his care instead of having it euthanized. This species of alligator snapping turtle, native to North America, is a top predator and primarily carnivorous.

According to Chan, his organization receives monthly reports of such abandoned turtles, and the size of these animals is increasing.

"Turtles are sold cheaply, and they can survive without much care, food, or water, making them among the most easily abandoned pets," he explained.

Activists are also calling on the government to microchip pet turtles sold to the public, increase penalties for abandoning animals, and update regulations on animal cruelty prevention. These measures aim to foster a pet-friendly society.

Under Hong Kong's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, improper treatment of animals can result in imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to 25,600 USD.

According to the trade database of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), from 2015-2024, 177,419 alligator snapping turtles were imported into Hong Kong, making the city one of the largest importers of this species.

Ngoc Anh (Source: SCMP, Yahoo News)