As Hong Kong continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating Wang Fuk Court fire that claimed 160 lives this week, a parallel rescue mission has emerged for the city's four-legged survivors. Animal welfare organizations report over 600 pets were affected by the December 9 blaze in the densely populated Kowloon district.
"They're family – we couldn't abandon them," said volunteer rescuer Li Mei-ling, her protective gear still smudged with ash. Her team has worked alongside firefighters since Tuesday to retrieve cats, dogs, and exotic birds from smoke-damaged apartments.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HK) has established temporary shelters in Sham Shui Po, while veterinary clinics across the city are offering free treatment for injured animals. A growing mountain of donated pet food and supplies now lines the corridors of community centers near the disaster site.
This dual tragedy highlights Hong Kong's evolving approach to disaster management, with 2025 marking the first year animal rescue protocols were formally integrated into the Fire Services Department's emergency response training. The emotional scenes of reunions between residents and their pets have sparked city-wide discussions about pet-inclusive emergency planning.
