CAUSE

For Creatures Great and Small

Being Neighbourly x Fiona Cumming, SPCA (Hong Kong)

Author/ Being Neighbourly
24 January 2025

The Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) – as we were known in the early days – was formed by a group of volunteers in 1903 who wanted to prevent cruel treatment to livestock during transportation and slaughter,” says Fiona Cumming, Executive Director, The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) of SPCA.

Fast forward to 2025 and the charity is still dedicated with a broadened client base that includes both wild and companion animals, whether they have homes or not.

Growing up on the outskirts of Taipei, Cumming’s love for animals started early and she would often bring home stray kittens and puppies — much to her parents’ dismay! Later, she volunteered at a local shelter, where she fostered animals and organised adoption events, paving the way for her ongoing commitment to helping animals find loving homes and educating the public about responsible pet ownership

‘Cruelty’, in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, Cap. 169, Cumming clarifies, is committed if one “cruelly beats, kicks, ill-treats, over-rides, over-drives, overloads, tortures, infuriates, or terrifies any animal, or, by wantonly or unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, causes any unnecessary suffering to any animal.” At the SPCA, she says that they consider any action that causes physical or emotional harm to an animal as cruelty.

“Our Inspectorate team is dedicated to protecting the welfare of animals to prevent cases of cruelty. Our team is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our 24-hour hotline receives over 20,000 calls every year from members of the public,” she states.

According to Cumming, there has been a significant rise in pet ownership in recent years. She cites the last census in 2019, which stated that there are over 400,000 pets in the territory, but says that more recent studies from 2023 reveal a staggering surge to over a million.

In tandem, says Cumming, there has been a surge in pet mistreatment and abandonment, especially among cats. “On some days, we have seen up to 14 cats being left behind on the streets,” she laments.

While many assume that government funds form the backbone of financing for the SPCA, Cumming says that this is untrue. According to her, only around 1% of the Society’s funds come from the public purse.

“The SPCA relies significantly on our veterinary services, which contribute to 60% of the organization’s total income. In addition to this critical revenue stream, we actively pursue various fundraising avenues,” she says. These activities include Raffle and Dogathon, as well as collaborating with businesses and donors to bolster their resources.

In terms of services, Cumming says that the SPCA charter includes a diverse array of: Rescuing abandoned, sick or injured animals and rehoming domestic animals wherever possible; Enforcing animal welfare laws for domestic animals and wildlife, prosecuting offenders when necessary; Controlling animal populations through low-cost desexing; Providing homeless animals with veterinary care, from the basic to life-saving; Monitoring the welfare standards of Hong Kong’s food animals, such as cows, chickens and pigs; Educating the public about responsible pet ownership and wider animal welfare; Lobbying and working with the government to improve animal welfare legislation and regulation.

“We also provide adoption and post-adoption services to pet owners at an affordable cost, acting as a one-stop shop covering medical care, grooming, boarding, retail, and behavioural training. This helps pet owners care for the physical and mental well-being of their pets,” she says.

To people who believe that humans should be more of a focus area than animals, Cumming says that, as an organization devoted to animal welfare, the SPCA believes that a compassionate society should strive to protect and support both humans and animals.

“It is not about choosing one over the other, but rather about promoting a harmonious co-existence where the welfare of all living beings is value,” she says, adding that through their advocacy for animal welfare, they not only enhance the lives of animals, but also positively impact the broader community.

“We firmly believe that showing compassion towards animals can cultivate empathy and kindness among people, ultimately contributing to a more interconnected and caring society,” she says, adding that studies have shown that interaction with animals can bring mental and physical benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and stress in humans and reducing the risk of associated diseases.

What is the best part of what you do?

“Our work is driven by love and the belief that every animal deserves respect. Our mission is to give animals a second chance at life and to ensure their wellbeing at all stages of their lives,” says Fiona Cumming, Executive Director, The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) of SPCA.

“I am incredibly proud to be part of an organization where compassion and kindness know no bounds and I feel very fortunate to work at the SPCA, an organization that plays a crucial role in enhancing animal welfare in Hong Kong. A delightful perk of my job is being able to bring dogs to work!”

The SPCA (HQ)
5 Wan Shing Street, Wan Chai.