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A 34-year-old man was arrested in Shek Kip Mei Park in the early hours of Saturday, 24 October, after volunteers reported suspected interference with food left for stray cats.
Police received a report at 3.37am concerning an open area near the park’s tennis courts. Officers reportedly found suspected rodent bait and a fruit knife approximately 14cm long on the man, surnamed Ho. He was arrested on suspicion of cruelty to animals and possession of an offensive weapon.
Police said no cats were found injured in this incident. The case was being investigated by officers from Sham Shui Po District.
Volunteers installed cameras after repeated concerns
Animal welfare volunteers said they had discovered suspicious substances in feeding bowls on several occasions since August. These allegedly included suspected rat poison and an unidentified dark liquid.
According to Hong Kong Animal Post, volunteers and residents organised several attempts to monitor the area before stopping a man early on Saturday and calling police. A volunteer told the outlet that seven people took part in the operation.
HK01 separately reported that cameras installed near the bowls had recorded a man apparently adding material to the food. Volunteers said surveillance helped them identify when to watch the area.
Earlier allegations remain under investigation
Reports quoting police also referred to the complainant’s suspicion that cats had previously been poisoned at the location. That allegation remains distinct from the police finding that no cats were found injured in Saturday’s incident.
The arrest does not establish responsibility for the earlier incidents described by volunteers. The nature of the substances placed in the bowls, and any connection with previous suspected poisoning, remain matters for investigation.
