In the dense, glassy sprawl of Hong Kong—a city better known for its towering skylines and economic velocity—an overlooked crisis simmers in alleyways, industrial backroads, and urban parks: the plight of abandoned animals.

According to official figures, authorities handle between 5,000 and 7,000 stray dogs annually. Meanwhile, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has documented a surge in abandoned dogs, from 5,059 in 2023 to 5,178 in 2024. These figures point to a broader societal challenge: How does a global city care for those who have no voice?

Since its founding in 1997, the Society for Abandoned Animals (SAA) has provided a quiet yet determined response. Operating as a nonprofit, the SAA’s ethos is embedded in its motto: “Love Animal, Respect Life, No Killing or Abandoning.” With a steadfast commitment to rehabilitation and rehoming, the organization prioritizes lifelong care for animals most often neglected—those who are elderly, disabled, or chronically ill. Currently home to around 300 animals, the SAA has facilitated the rescue and adoption of tens of thousands over nearly three decades. Each success story is not just a tale of rescue but a testament to the city’s capacity for compassion.

But the road is fraught with challenges. In recent years, the smuggling of cats and dogs into Hong Kong has become a pressing concern. A 2022 joint operation by the Marine Police and Customs intercepted 136 smuggled animals confined in deplorable conditions—some cages held as many as sixteen cats, crammed together in terror and squalor. Following the seizure, the SAA, in collaboration with the AFCD, took custody of the animals, administering urgent medical care and spearheading public adoption campaigns. The group also used media outreach to amplify its anti-smuggling message, fostering a civic consciousness around animal protection that complements the government’s enforcement efforts.

Funding, however, remains an existential issue. Like many NGOs, the SAA relies heavily on public donations to survive. Its financial disclosures reveal a sobering picture: over 80% of the animals in its care require geriatric attention—costly diets, medications, and nutritional supplements push monthly expenses beyond $25,000. Between 2022 and 2024, the organization’s funding primarily came from street-level fundraising. These campaigns accounted for approximately 75% of the revenue, while direct donor contributions represented the remaining 25%. Traditional donation boxes contributed less than 1%. The numbers are both a reflection of the city’s generosity and a stark reminder of the financial fragility that underpins even the most noble causes.

What makes the SAA’s approach distinctive is its multidimensional commitment to systemic change. Beyond rescue and care, the organization actively advocates for regulatory reform through public awareness campaigns and initiatives. It also designs welfare-oriented products—from orthopedic animal beds to targeted nutritional supplements—that align animal health with sustainable practices. Its educational initiatives tackle issues such as pet obesity, behavioral disorders, and responsible ownership. In November 2024, the SAA hosted charity screenings of Breaking Hell, offering free entry and gifts to those who donated $25 or more—an initiative that combined cultural engagement with advocacy, thereby broadening the circle of civic participation.

These efforts have a measurable impact. Among younger Hongkongers, there is a growing awareness of animal rights, ethical pet ownership, and anti-smuggling laws. This signals a vital opportunity: targeted education and public-private partnerships could elevate animal welfare from a niche concern to a mainstream civic priority.

Animal welfare cannot remain the sole responsibility of a few dedicated NGOs. It must be integrated into a broader social ecosystem, engaging government bodies, civil society organizations, businesses, and everyday citizens. In Hong Kong, grassroots support for organizations like the SAA—amplified through platforms such as Instagram and Facebook—demonstrates that empathy can be cultivated and that communities can mobilize to protect the vulnerable.

At its core, the mission of the Society for Abandoned Animals is not just about saving dogs and cats; it is also about providing a haven for these animals. It’s about preserving the moral fabric of society—where the value of life, no matter how small or voiceless, is recognized and upheld. By sharing these stories, we foster not only awareness but also action, and in doing so, create a city that is not only prosperous but also humane.