一直在寶蓮禪寺（下稱「寶蓮寺」）生活的兩狗女大妹與細妹，懷疑在8月13日被2名廚房工作人員以塑膠袋殘忍笠頭後，運往後山棄置，事件發生至今已逾8日，就算各界熱心人士到棄狗位置尋找，但仍不見兩狗蹤影。

 

事件發生後，寶蓮寺早前曾發出聲明回應，指已即時停止涉案員工職務，案件亦已交由警方處理，現階段寺院不便發表任何評論，並已即時派員搜尋狗隻及於當眼位置張貼告示。

 

據寶蓮寺聲明所指，院方「曾為狗隻提供基本休息場所、安排絕育、打防疫針及一般醫療等」。那即是承認了院方為狗隻的畜養人。此外，院方亦承認有「員工將昂坪範圍兩狗隻，帶離昂坪遺棄。」根據《狂犬病條例》（第421章）（《條例》）第22條，動物畜養人如無合理解釋而棄掉其動物，最高可處罰款一萬元及監禁六個月。兩名男子除了涉嫌「殘酷對待動物」 外，是否已同時觸犯了《狂犬病條例》？

 

寶蓮寺以慈悲為宗旨，秉承佛陀的教誨，共建人間淨土。昂坪範圍一直存在多隻在社區生活的流浪狗，兩狗更曾以寺廟為依靠之地，但居然發生有員工涉嫌惡待狗隻事件，實在令人失望。在聲明之中，寶蓮寺完全沒有為兩狗女事件道歉，亦未見有任何積極尋狗行動，比起民間心急如焚的全力搜索，更顯得院方冷漠。難道在院方眼中動物就不是生命，不用慈悲對待？那試問何謂眾生？ 而院方的管理層，又是否要對今次事件負責？ 

 

我們現強烈要求寺院公開對昂坪範圍內所有動物的動物福利管理政策、處理手法及員工指引，並向公眾承諾加強員工的動物保護意識，能確保昂坪範圍內所有動物得到妥善照顧。

 

NPV動物權益教育（AREbyNPV）決定發起聯署，提出4大訴求：

1. 強烈譴責寶蓮禪寺，要求寶蓮禪寺道歉。

2. 要求依法追究相關人員及管理層的責任。

3. 要求公開對於昂坪範圍內所有動物的動物福利管理制度、處理手法及員工指引。

4. 加強員工的動物保護意識，承諾昂坪範圍內所有動物得到妥善照顧，確保平安。

 

為大妹細妹討回公道，也為昂坪範圍內所有動物的將來，呼籲大家參與聯署，一同要求寶蓮寺落實上述要求，並承諾加強員工的動物保護意識，避免悲劇重演。

 

NPV動物權益教育（AREbyNPV）

2024年8月21日

 

 

Appeal to Po Lin Monastery for Addressing Allegations of Abandonment and Cruelty of Dogs “Dai Mui” and “Sai Mui”

 

It has been brought to our attention that two dogs, known as “Dai Mui” and “Sai Mui,” who have long resided at Po Lin Monastery (hereafter "the Monastery"), are suspected of having been abandoned and cruelly treated by two kitchen workers on 13th August. It is alleged that the dogs were cruelly restrained with plastic bags and then left in a remote area behind the Monastery. Despite extensive efforts by concerned individuals over the past eight days to locate the dogs, they remain missing.

 

In response to the incident, the Monastery issued a statement confirming that the workers involved have been suspended, and the matter has been referred to the police. The Monastery has also stated that they have dispatched personnel to search for the dogs and posted notices at the site, but they have refrained from making further comments due to the ongoing investigation.

 

The Monastery’s statement also acknowledged that they had previously provided the dogs in Ngong Ping with basic care, including neutering, vaccination, and general medical care, thereby recognizing their responsibility as keepers. Additionally, the Monastery confirmed that the dogs were removed from Ngong Ping and abandoned by its staff. According to Section 22 of the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), a keeper of any animal who, without reasonable excuse, abandons that animal commits an offence and is liable to a fine up to HK$10,000 and to imprisonment for 6 months. The two individuals involved may have also violated the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169) by alleged cruelty to the dogs.

 

As an institution founded on compassion and the teachings of the Buddha, Po Lin Monastery has long been a sanctuary for many community dogs, including “Dai Mui” and “Sai Mui.” The fact that two workers are now accused of cruelty to these animals is deeply troubling. The Monastery's initial statement did not include an apology for the incident, nor did it outline any significant actions being taken to locate the missing dogs. This perceived lack of urgency contrasts starkly with the overwhelming efforts of concerned citizens.

 

In light of these concerns, we respectfully urge Po Lin Monastery to publicly disclose its policies, procedures, and staff guidelines regarding the welfare of all animals within the Ngong Ping area. We also call upon the Monastery to commit to enhancing staff awareness and training on animal protection to ensure that all animals in Ngong Ping receive proper care and attention.

 

To support this cause, Animal Rights Education by NPV (AREbyNPV) has launched a petition with the following key demands:

1.  Strongly condemn the actions taken against“Dai Mui” and “Sai Mui” and request a formal apology from Po Lin Monastery.

2.  Call for the legal accountability of all individuals involved, including the management of the Monastery.

3.  Request full transparency regarding the Monastery’s animal welfare management system, procedures, and staff guidelines for all animals in the Ngong Ping area.

4.  Urge the Monastery to strengthen its staff’s awareness of animal protection, ensuring the proper care and safety of all animals within Ngong Ping.

 

We invite all concerned individuals to join us in this petition to seek justice for “Dai Mui” and “Sai Mui” and to help secure the well-being of all animals in Ngong Ping. Together, we can ensure that the Monastery takes the necessary steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

 

Animal Rights Education by NPV (AREbyNPV) 

21st August, 2024