appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Cannix Yau

A wildlife expert and social media users have expressed concerns about the forceful approach used by a district councillor and two other men to free a trapped barking deer, warning they should have sought help from professionals.
Tai Po district councillor Chan Siu-keen posted footage of the incident on social media on Wednesday, with the clip showing him and two other men freeing the animal, also known as a muntjac, from a railing by forcefully pulling its rear legs – causing the barking deer to struggle.
But some social media users said that barking deer could be easily frightened and potentially die of a heart attack from shock.
Chan said he discovered the trapped animal, crying out helplessly, as he passed by Hung Lam Drive in Tai Po Kau.
“It was injured and unable to move, and its body was bleeding. Everyone immediately joined forces to carefully lift it out and release it back into the forest,” he said.
The clip also shows that, after the trio pulls the barking deer out of the fence, they lift it over the railing and drop it on the other side, causing it to briefly roll down a slope. It then quickly disappears into the forest.
Chan defended the trio’s approach, arguing the animal was trapped and bleeding. “I cannot leave it injured and bleeding like this,” he said.
“Returned to the wild – may all living beings be protected and may life thrive endlessly.”


But Gary Ades, head of fauna conservation at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, said the rescue method was not recommended.
He said Chan and his team should have sought help from experts from organisations such as the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
Ades warned that the trio could be in breach of the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance by rescuing the barking deer themselves.
“The deer was clearly injured from the video, and although the three men helping may have thought the wounds were superficial, without a professional full assessment of the injuries this could not be certain,” he said.
“There are also legalities related to disturbing or handling protected wild animals, and this is another reason to call for professional help rather than handling the animal yourself – you may be breaching the wild animal protection ordinance.”
While the three men had shown “commendable concern” and managed to free the barking deer, Ades emphasised that there were existing procedures for handling trapped wild animals.
“The existing procedures ensure that the wild animal or deer receives some expert assessment and whether it should be released or sent for veterinary medical care and, on full recovery, released back to the wild,” he said.


3 stray mongrels captured after cyclist dies in suspected dog attack

Nearly 50% rise in drug seizures by Hong Kong customs in first half of year

Barristers dismiss calls for solicitors to gain senior counsel status in Hong Kong

Hong Kong school told to review arrangements after alleged Cantonese video ban

Hong Kong society

Leave it to the experts, district councillor told after chaotic deer rescue

A screenshot of footage shared by Tai Po district councillor Chan Siu-keen on social media. Photo: Facebook/cskchansiukuen

Welfare groups seek clarity on breed classification amid third fighting dog case

Bowie, formerly known as Bobo, was relinquished after authorities classified her as a fighting breed. Photo: The Love Adopt Animal Society

Bowie’s case has prompted renewed calls for transparent breed checks and an appeal mechanism for Hong Kong dog owners. Photo: The Love Adopt Animal Society

Baku was seized by authorities and was classified as a fighting breed seven months after his licence was renewed as a mongrel. Photo: Home for Homeless Dogs

Hong Kong boy, 14, arrested for animal cruelty after badly injured cat dies

The cat was brought to Pets R Us Veterinary Medical Centre in Cheung Sha Wan. Photo: Pets R Us Veterinary Medical Centre.

News

Hong Kong

Society

Footage from district councillor shows him and two others freeing animal by forcefully pulling its rear legs – causing the barking deer to struggle.


Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Conservation

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

Leave it to the experts, district councillor told after chaotic deer rescue

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Footage from district councillor shows him and two others freeing animal by forcefully pulling its rear legs – causing the barking deer to struggle.

Footage from district councillor shows him and two others freeing animal by forcefully pulling its rear legs – causing the barking deer to struggle.