The exodus trend negatively impacts Hong Kong’s least political citizens—its pets.

Photo Credit (greety image)

An aircraft mechanic is one of thousands who have left Hong Kong following the pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019 and the implementation of a new security law last year. He refuses to leave his pets behind, unlike many others.

Yip, 40, moved to Britain with his partner and daughter, 22, and his three huskies and cat, costing more than $14,000.

“My family includes my dogs. He remarked, “I can’t bear to lose them.”

Pet relocation businesses have benefited greatly from Hong Kong’s political-driven emigration surge, which could see hundreds of thousands of people move to Canada, Britain, and other countries in the years to come.

However, it is also having a significant negative impact on some of the least politically inclined citizens in the city.

Veterinarians and animal shelter owners report that people who are unable to take their pets with them or cannot afford the travel arrangements are leaving a growing number of pets behind.

Moving pets overseas has become much more difficult, according to veterinarians, due to high expenses, aircraft cancellations, and difficult COVID-related processes.

Some dogs and cats are medically unable to travel, while others spend up to six months in shelters awaiting the completion of their paperwork.

Cathay Pacific announced in March that it would not allow pets on cargo aircraft or as check-in luggage on flights departing Hong Kong until May.

Following the implementation of China’s national security law and the violence of the 2019 protests, many people are making sudden departures. Affected by the coronavirus, some foreigners have lost their jobs.

Okka Scherer, who manages two dog shelters on the city’s Lantau island, said, “All these people didn’t plan to leave so soon; they are not prepared for this.”

China asserts that the new security law only aims to target a small number of troublemakers and won’t undermine the autonomy and broad freedoms granted to the former British colony upon its return to Chinese administration in 1997.

The issuing of animal health certificates for exports increased by 35% between 2018 and 2020, according to data from the Agriculture and Fisheries Department.

The SPCA animal welfare group, which runs veterinary clinics throughout Hong Kong, claims that the number of pet microchips needed by Australia, New Zealand, and European nations has increased four to five times in the same time frame.

According to the Hong Kong Dog Rescue charity, the average monthly number of abandoned dogs has increased by 30% in recent months.

Calls from people thinking about leaving their pets have also increased, according to Jane Gray, head veterinary surgeon for the SPCA, and staff members are making every effort to dissuade them.

“When you adopt a pet, think long-term,” Gray said.