A chef at the Po Lin Monastery in Hong Kong has been convicted on three counts of animal cruelty after admitting to capturing and transporting two stray dogs away from the monastery grounds. Ng Sing-yiu, 65, a chef at the monastery, stated he was trying to address hygiene concerns related to the animals.

The West Kowloon Court heard that the two dogs, known as “Dai Mui” and “Sai Mui” – meaning “big sister” and “little sister” in chinese – were often fed by monastery staff. Ng Sing-yiu committed the offenses near the Hung Uk Dormitory on Lantau Island.

On August 13, Ng Sing-yiu captured the dogs, placed them in nylon bags, and secured them tightly. He then drove them to a car park in San Shek Wan, also on Lantau Island, and released them approximately an hour later.

Ng Sing-yiu claimed that the dogs’ excrement was negatively impacting the cleanliness of his kitchen.

The two dogs were eventually located in September following thier release.

Details of the Animal Cruelty Case

The defendant said the excrement from the dogs’ visits to the monastery was affecting the hygiene situation in his kitchen, the court heard.

The case has sparked debate about animal welfare and the responsibilities of institutions in managing stray animal populations.