Part 1/9:
Uncovering the Hidden World of Pet Smuggling in Hong Kong
Introduction: A Personal Connection Sparks Investigation
In a candid conversation, a journalist from CNA based in Hong Kong shares her personal journey into understanding the troubling phenomenon of pet smuggling and animal trafficking in the region. Her motivation was born from a recent adoption—of an eight-month-old Japanese Shiba Inu named Elon—during Hong Kong's third wave of COVID-19. As a first-time dog owner, she learned firsthand what caring for a pet entails, from grooming to basic healthcare, which deepened her concern over the welfare of animals affected by illicit trade.