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Pets

Pets
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Pets. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Quirky China: A zoo panda refuses to return a phone that was dropped into its enclosure, a talented piglet known for its ability to spin a plastic ring has been spared from becoming dinner and an affordable gold rush among country’s youth. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin/Weibo
Trending in China

Quirky China: panda keeps phone, talented piglet spared from dinner, gold rush

From a baby porker who saves its own bacon to a gold-rush lite among the country’s youth, the SCMP takes a sideways look at the news.

Trending in China

Ancient Chinese act of bringing cat home as pet was similar to marital contract

Hong Kong society

5 dogs found poisoned to death in Hong Kong’s New Territories in single week

Tourism

The Shiba Inu story: where does the popular Japanese hunting dog come from?

One woman’s research has sparked interest in the heritage of Shiba Inus and local revitalisation in the city where the first one lived.

Mayumi Kawabe smiles in front of the stone statue of Ishi Go, an early ancestor of today’s Shiba Inu breed, in Masuda, Shimane, Japan. At the end of 2016, she welcomed Sunny, a two-month-old puppy, into her home. Photo: Kyodo
Hong Kong population

Opinion | Boost birth rates? Governments should focus on the population they have

Instead of growing the population at all costs, governments should be practically addressing longer life expectancies.

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Hong Kong society

Editorial | Furry friends in restaurants a big step towards a pet-friendly Hong Kong

The relaxation of public transport and dining rules acknowledges the social value of pets in a crowded city like Hong Kong.

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TV shows and streaming video

Puppy Bowl XXII aims to help old dogs find new families too

Senior dogs will get their moment in the spotlight at Puppy Bowl XXII, with a halftime showdown that promotes adoption for older pets.

Dogs take part in Puppy Bowl XXII, which airs this weekend on Animal Planet, Discovery, HBO Max and Discovery+. Photo: AP
Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Call for tougher animal welfare laws after invasive turtle found in Hong Kong

Discovery of 85kg alligator snapping turtle in New Territories pond shows how city has fallen behind in biosecurity, experts say.

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Hong Kong economy

Is Hong Kong barking up the wrong tree with dog-friendly restaurants?

Can pet-friendly premises really give Hong Kong’s economy a boost?

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Trending in China

Story of China woman and wolf son gains renewed fame, gets 2.8 billion views online

Touching journey back to the wild of a rescued cub which grew up among humans and dogs leaves animal’s ‘mother’ in tears.

A Chinese woman and her adopted wolf “son” have gained renewed fame recently with the resurgence of the documentary “Return to the Wolf Pack” this year. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo
Wellness

For these Hongkongers, walking isn’t just exercise – it’s therapy

For cancer survivors, walking is one of the most accessible and sustainable forms of rehabilitation we learn on World Cancer Day.

The Exploring Dogs group on a walk through Tai Tong, Hong Kong, in December, 2025. Founder Stephanie Lown says being outdoors in the fresh air can help ground you and give you a fresh perspective. Photo: Instagram/exploringdogs
Animals

Do dogs like music? Experts weigh in on how songs affect our furry friends

Music seems to have a calming effect on dogs, but under what circumstances and which genre? Animal experts explain dog music dos and don’ts.

Hong Kong economy

Pawsitively posh: Hong Kong Pet Show takes luxury to new heights

More than 1,000 exhibitors at Hong Kong Pet Show, with global pet economy on track to hit US$134.46 billion this year amid sustained growth.

Animals

After fatal rail accident, missing dog that captivated Spain is found

The public had rallied to look for Boro, who bolted after a high-speed train crash that killed at least 43 people.

Ana Garcia hugs Boro on Thursday after the dog was rescued by Andalusia regional firefighters. Photo: Plan Infoca via Reuters
South Korea

South Korea banned dog meat. Now what happens to 500,000 animals?

As South Korea moves to end dog meat consumption by 2027, the government lacks a clear survival plan for nearly half a million caged dogs.

Dogs are seen in cages at a dog farm in Pyeongtaek, South Korea in June 2023. Photo: AP
Spain

‘He is family’: Spain unites in search for missing dog after train crash

Ana Garcia’s viral plea to find Boro after the disaster spurs a rescue team to search the sealed zone near Madrid.

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Trending in China

Unaware of owner’s death, China dog waits daily in corridor for his return, moves many

Story draws comparisons to 1920s Japan tale, where dog waited for owner at railway station for 10 years after his death, until it too died.

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Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Animal welfare groups slam Hong Kong pet shop for offering cat rental service

Pet shop gave clients the chance to rent a cat for a week for HK$800 with a refundable deposit of HK$6,500 before buying.

The pet shop is located in a commercial building in North Point. Photo: Jelly Tse
Pop culture in Asia

Video | Digital ‘Tamagotchi’ pets mark 30 years

The egg-shaped plastic toys that were a playground craze in the 1990s feature digital pets needing to be cared for like live household animals.

Animals

Rare genius dogs learn vocabulary by eavesdropping, study shows

Some gifted canines pick up words simply by overhearing people speak to each other without needing to be taught.

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Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Hong Kong group saves 351 animals in 6 months as trapping, smuggling cases surge

Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter reports that animal cruelty cases are ‘alarmingly common’ as it calls for stronger action to be taken.

Animal rescuers warn that illegal trapping and pet smuggling are becoming alarmingly common in Hong Kong, with an average of two animals saved daily. Photo: Edmond So
Made in China 2025

Meow or never: China’s pudgy pets spark race for weight-loss drugs

Fosun and Huadong biotech labs eye feline obesity drugs as owners weigh cuteness against health risks.

The total pet population in China reached 430 million in 2024, with nearly one-third of urban cats classified as obese, according to the China Pet Industry Association. Photo: Shutterstock
Trending in China

China woman films dog eating from plate at eatery; shop vows to sue after closure

Owner of ‘awesome’ canine praises animal for emptying dish of mutton rolls; online observers accuse pet-loving diners of a lack of ‘discipline’.

Singapore

‘Deeply distressing’: Singapore’s animal shelters struggle with costs

Cases of animal cruelty and poor welfare have also surged, with the SPCA reporting 961 confirmed cases last year.

Trending in China

‘Best travel buddy’: China kitten famous for riding with truck driver owner, holding handrail

Easy-riding feline travel companion called ‘Dumpling’ has catnip for journey; owner even places litter tray near spot where he sits.

An eight-month-old cat who rides with his truck driver owner has gone viral, delighting online viewers with his habit of holding the handrail at the front window. Photo: Douyin
China travel

China’s service sector shines as holidaymakers eye bespoke adventures with pets

While broader consumption remains soft, demand for personalised itineraries and snow sports is growing, offering a boost to the holiday economy.

More Chinese travellers are pivoting from mass-market sightseeing to bespoke adventures, fuelling a surge in demand for pet-friendly itineraries and winter excursions. Photo: Getty Images
Trending in China

Chinese man hand-feeds pet snake, suffers serious bite, leads to thumb amputation

Poison from viper infects reptile-loving man severely limiting his blood clotting ability; experts warn that keeping exotic pets can kill.

Trending in China

China owner of poisoned ‘smiling Shiba Inu’ berated for exploiting canine’s death

Tearful custodian of ‘cute and obedient’ animal with 500,000 online followers posts video of dead pet; is slammed and praised.

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