PAWS SPOTLIGHT ON service: ��

When we think of pets, the picture of purebred dogs and cats often comes to mind. But many are unaware that rabbits happen to be the third most neglected animals in Hong Kong and that mongrels (dogs that do not belong to one officially recognized breed) are the primary victims of the pet abandonment surge. To that end, PAWS works in collaboration with two local shelters in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Rabbit Society (HKRS) and Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), so that volunteers can care for neglected rabbits and dogs and strong, treasurable bonds can be built between volunteer and animal.

Although the PAWS community was established relatively recently, our passion for helping animals and the connection with the sheltered animals are equally as strong. Students who volunteer with PAWS use this time to not only provide a pleasant living environment to our beloved animals, but also form close-knit and inseparable bonds with them and spread the word that we should “Adopt, Don’t Shop”.

PAWS was formed by a group of students with a shared interest in changing animals’ lives for the better. It is also the first studentled animal related service organisation within CIS - one of the first schools to work with several animal charities. Our service aims to provide support to the wider wildlife community, especially animals left neglected in shelters, through physical volunteer work at shelters (cleaning and feeding), dog walking, and volunteering on adoption days. Through close contact with these animals, we strive to forge relationships with them, improve their quality of living, and advocate for animal welfare through public adoption events whilst promoting kindness, compassion and respect for all animals with the hopes of putting an end to mistreatment, abuse and abandonment.

Like most countries around the world, Hong Kong has faced more than two years of Covid-19. But behind the stories of the destructive virus on human lives is a lesser-told story: that of the animals who have largely been excluded from discourse on Covid-19 and emigration. Various animal welfare organizations in the city have raised concerns over the increasing number of animals given up to shelters due to the emigration crisis. As airlines had cut the number of flights to and from Hong Kong due to tough quarantine requirements, those wishing to fly with their pets faced fewer options, longer waiting lists and costs of up to tens of thousands of dollars. Many chose to abandon their pets instead, overwhelming dog shelters, which are running at full capacity. In addition, shelters are short on volunteers