Singapore Airlines cargo SQ7868 found four furry surprises on arrival in Hong Kong. Photo / Brett Phibbs
The matter was picked up by Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. The AFCD's normal protocol for treating undeclared, unquarantined animals and livestock would be to have them destroyed.
On Sunday, Feline welfare group Cat's Shadow said they had "received a message from the airport apron ground staff, stating that the four cats were in the air cargo container when they were found, and the air cargo container was still in the cargo aircraft warehouse at that time."
Concerned for the animals' wellbeing local animal welfare groups petitioned the AFCD to spare the kittens. Which they did.
"Upon completion of the quarantine and investigation, adoption will be arranged through partnering animal welfare organizations according to the condition of the cats," said the AFCD in a statement to the Hong Kong Standard.
The kittens were found to be in good health after the long 4-hour flight and the department said they would have a veterinary check up this week.
Following this check up they would be put up for adoption.
Hong Kong has a high rabies risk for imported animals and most unclaimed pets which find their way to the country are euthanised.
In 2019, a stray dog which was adopted by a cargo ship was put down by the AFCD, to public outcry among animal lovers.
In response to the backlash the department said it would "seriously review the procedure and methods to deal with overseas animals."
