"Abandoned Turtles in Hong Kong Parks: The Harsh Reality and Need for Action"

2023-05-25 07:01:25

[Animal News]The problem of abandoned turtles in pools in Hong Kong parks is very serious. Tsuen Wan Jockey Club Tak Wah Park has become the hardest hit area. A volunteer pointed out that there were at least 60 turtles in a pool surrounded by iron fences with insufficient sunlight. Few of them were infected with pneumonia, and the situation was serious. It is estimated that at least 10 turtles died of pneumonia in the past few months. Volunteer Ms. Huang is in contact with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, hoping to stop the citizens from abandoning the turtles and remove the iron fence as soon as possible to prevent a large number of turtles from being trapped in small pools for cross-infection. When the Leisure and Cultural Services Department responded to this newspaper’s inquiry, it stated that the iron fence was only a short-term measure to clean the pool, and it also pointed out that it had stepped up inspections and discouraged the behavior of abandoning turtles.

Ms. Huang, who is an independent tortoise volunteer, told this newspaper that she began to pay attention to the situation of abandoned turtles in the pool of Tak Wah Park half a year ago. “The sun is very important to the turtles. If there is not enough sunlight for a long time, they will suffer from malnutrition. The harsh environment also causes many turtles to develop pneumonia, and they can only wait to die.”

She revealed that during the past few months of observation, there were dead turtles. Volunteers also rescued 6 turtles that were seriously ill or young with weak resistance. “We are not a large organization and cannot save a large number of turtles. We can only Save as much as you can.”

She pointed out that after tortoises suffer from pneumonia, they will initially have shortness of breath and frequent opening of their mouths, and then they will not eat, make noises, and have pus in their eyes, which can be fatal in severe cases. “Because the metabolism of tortoises is much slower, they get sick quickly It seems to die from chronic torture, often suffering for more than half a year.” Even if the pneumonia is cured with medication, the tortoise’s lung injury is difficult to fully recover, and there is a chance that the pneumonia will recur, and it needs long-term care.

She also said frankly that the rescue by volunteers and animal organizations only treats the symptoms but not the root cause. The most important thing is that the security of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department can effectively prevent people from abandoning the turtles. She is contacting the government departments and hopes to face up to the issue of turtle abandonment. As for the existing turtles, she is trying her best to contact different turtle rescue organizations, hoping to accept them.

She also revealed that the iron fence closed the corner of the turtle pond for at least two years, and it could not be a short-term measure. However, after reporting to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, they removed all the iron fences last week, reflecting their willingness to cooperate. “However, as animal volunteers, we will continue to follow up. If we find that there is another suspected animal cruelty in Tak Wah Park, we will take further action.”

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department stated in response to this newspaper’s inquiry that the pools and artificial lakes in the Tsuen Wan Jockey Club Tak Wah Park were not designed for citizens to release fish or turtles. The venue releases or feeds animals such as fish. The department has posted notices in prominent places of pools and artificial lakes, reminding the public not to put fish or turtles and other animals into the water features, so as not to affect the operation of the facilities. If turtle abandonment is found during daily inspections, the venue staff of the LCSD will dissuade it immediately.

Regarding the installation of iron bars in the pool, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department explained that it was a short-term arrangement for cleaning the pool. Temporary iron fences will be set up at the pools to separate them, and the fish or turtles will be temporarily stocked in other pools. After the cleaning work is completed, the fish or turtles will be returned to the original pools and the temporary iron fences will be removed.” Leisure and Cultural Services Department He also pointed out that he has contacted relevant animal protection organizations to assist in the adoption of turtles, and will continue to strengthen inspections and appeal to the public not to carry out any release activities in the park.