Helper arrested for alleged animal cruelty after Hong Kong boss’ dog found with blistered skin
Officers are investigating whether the alleged animal abuse was provoked by an argument between the helper and employer, source says
Hong Kong police have arrested a domestic helper on suspicion of ill-treating her employer’s 14-year-old mini Doberman after it was brought to a clinic with blistered skin and its fur falling out.
A source said on Monday that officers were investigating whether the alleged animal abuse was provoked by an argument between the woman from the Philippines, 35, and her 50-year-old male employer over holiday arrangements.
The woman was detained on suspicion of animal cruelty – an offence punishable by up to three years in jail and a HK$200,000 fine.
The force said on Sunday that it had received a report at 6.50pm from the dog’s owner, who alleged its wounds were inflicted by his domestic helper.
Images shared with local media outlets by the owner also showed the skin along the dog’s back had become blistered and clumps of its fur had fallen out.
The owner said his domestic helper had been responsible for the dog’s care, adding the animal had been suffering from diarrhoea for several days and had stopped eating.
