Missing Temple Cat “Le Le” Found, YouTuber Arrested for Theft

A brown-white tabby cat named “Le Le” from Pak Tai Temple in Hung Hom went missing during a windy night last week, prompting a search effort by the community and the police. The cat was eventually found, and a man was arrested in connection with its disappearance.

Le Le’s Disappearance and the Search Effort

Le Le was adopted by Temple Chu in her early years and had been living at the Northern Emperor Temple on Ma Tau Wai Road, Hung Hom. She was a beloved member of the community, and her disappearance was met with concern from the neighbors. When Super Typhoon Capricorn hit Hong Kong last Thursday, Le Le went missing, and several netizens sent out messages to help find her. Revelations were posted outside the Northern Emperor Temple, and some netizens even found a post from YouTuber Kenny claiming to have saved a cat during the typhoon.

A Man Was Arrested in Connection with Le Le’s Disappearance

On Monday evening, a 77-year-old man surnamed Kwan reported to the Hung Hom Police Station that a free-range cat about 9 years old was missing from a temple at 146 Ma Tau Wai Road. He also found someone holding a similar cat on social platforms and suspected that the cat might be Le Le. After receiving the report, the police handed it over to the Animal Crime Police Team of the Kowloon City Police District for follow-up. After investigation, a man was arrested in Hung Hom District on suspicion of “theft”. The arrested person was identified as YouTuber Kenny, and Le Le was found safe and healthy.

Le Le’s Return to the Temple

At 11 o’clock in the morning, the police held a press conference and stated that Le Le did not have a chip implanted. After inspection by SPCA staff, it was found to be safe and healthy with no superficial injuries, and Le Le was returned to the temple. The temple expressed gratitude to the police, netizens, and neighbors for helping to find Le Le.

Penalties for Animal Theft and Cruelty

According to Section 9 of the Theft Ordinance, Chapter 210 of the Laws of Hong Kong, the crime of “theft” is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment upon conviction. Additionally, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), it is an offense for any person to cause any unnecessary suffering to any animal by doing something indiscriminately or unreasonably. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of HK$200,000 and imprisonment for 3 years.

Temple’s Statement on Le Le’s Return

The temple wishes Mr. Kwan is happy to have found Le Le and thanked the police, netizens, and neighbors for helping to find the cat. Le Le has been living in the temple for more than nine years since she was a child and has a well-behaved and obsessive personality. The temple will take extra precautions to ensure Le Le’s safety in the future.