Dead turtles and a dead cat found in Mong Kok flat as police investigate suspected animal cruelty

Police found at least two dead turtles and a dead cat in a subdivided flat in Mong Kok, alongside about 10 surviving turtles, in a suspected animal-cruelty case.

An odour led to a police report at about 12.09pm on 24 September. The neighbour said the smell, resembling salted fish, had come from the flat and corridor for more than 10 days, leading the neighbour to raise hygiene concerns with the landlord.

Police and firefighters attended, found the flat empty and forced open its door. An animal-welfare organisation removed the surviving turtles and handled the animal remains.

Police were trying to locate the tenant. She had reportedly not paid rent for four months and had become unreachable.