Hong Kong police have launched an investigation into potential animal cruelty following the discovery of five dead dogs near fish ponds in the San Tin area of the northern New Territories. The investigation began on Sunday morning after a passer-by contacted authorities to report seeing four dog carcasses at a pond near Mai Po. Upon arriving at the scene, responding officers confirmed the presence of the four dogs and subsequently discovered a fifth carcass at a nearby pond.

While the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed by forensic results, police sources have indicated that the circumstances suggest the animals may have been poisoned. The case has been classified as an animal cruelty investigation, a serious offense under local law. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects or provided details regarding the ownership of the dogs, as the investigation remains in its early stages. The area, known for its network of fish ponds, is a rural part of the region where such incidents are treated with significant public concern. Police are continuing to gather evidence from the site to determine the exact timeline and cause of the animals' deaths.