A stray cat incident at Ping Shek Playground (Ping Shek Park), a public park managed by Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has sparked concern among animal lovers. According to volunteers, the only entrance to an artificial cave long used as a shelter by stray cats was allegedly sealed with concrete during maintenance works, trapping the cats inside. Fortunately, concerned residents discovered the situation in time and broke open the entrance, allowing all five cats to escape unharmed.
Artificial Cave Had Long Served as a Home for Stray Cats
A volunteer who cares for community cats shared the incident on social media, explaining that the artificial cave within a park in Kowloon East has for years been home to a group of stray cats.
The cats regularly used the cave as a refuge from the rain, a place to rest, and a safe environment to care for their kittens. Volunteers also carried out regular Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts and helped find adoptive homes for the kittens.
Residents Discover Cave Entrance Sealed with Concrete
According to the volunteer, residents passing through the park on October 15 were shocked to discover that the cave’s only entrance had been completely sealed with concrete.
Believing cats were still inside, concerned neighbours immediately began prying apart and breaking through the concrete in an attempt to create an opening as quickly as possible.
After much effort, they successfully reopened the entrance. The five stray cats inside were confirmed to be alive, and no injuries were reported.
CCTV Footage reveals Cave Was Sealed During “Maintenance” Work
Following the incident, residents approached the park’s LCSD office to seek an explanation.
According to volunteers, staff initially said the cave sealing had not been arranged by the office. However, after residents called the police and reviewed CCTV footage with officers, office personnel later confirmed that a staff member had arranged for workers to carry out “maintenance” work and seal the cave entrance at 10:00 AM that morning.
The staff member involved was reportedly on leave on the day of the incident and the following day, and was therefore unavailable for immediate clarification.
Incident Temporarily Classified as a “Misunderstanding”
LCSD personnel later attended the scene alongside firefighters and representatives from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Although the cats were not physically injured, they were reportedly frightened and had hidden inside the area, making immediate rescue efforts difficult.
Following a preliminary investigation, police temporarily classified the case as a “misunderstanding.” Authorities stated that there was currently no evidence suggesting anyone had deliberately sealed the cave while knowingly aware that cats were inside.
Volunteers Question Whether the Sealing Arrangement Was Appropriate
Although the incident did not result in any animal deaths or injuries, volunteers and some members of the public have questioned whether the maintenance arrangement was handled appropriately. Concerns include why a cave that has existed for years suddenly needs to be sealed, whether any pre-construction assessment was conducted to check for inhabiting animals, and the department’s communication and handling of the matter.
Volunteers Appeal to the Public for Fostering and Adoption
Volunteers have since taken in two spayed female kittens and are appealing to members of the public to consider fostering or adopting them to help ease the shelter’s burden.
As for the remaining stray cats still living in the park, volunteers are exploring long-term solutions and relocation options to help ensure their safety and well-being.
