Hong Kong police have arrested two women on suspicion of animal cruelty after a sick three-month-old Golden Retriever was found dumped in a rubbish bin in Mong Kok, covered in sewage, and later euthanised.

Inspector Yip Ho-lam said on Tuesday that police opened an investigation Saturday morning after a street cleaner discovered the puppy inside a bin in the alley behind 104 Hak Po Street.

Officers from the animal crime investigation team later took over the case.

“The puppy was immediately handed over to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for medical treatment and care. Following an examination, it was identified as a three-month-old Golden Retriever. It had no identification microchip and was in poor health,” Yip said.

After reviewing CCTV footage and seeking help from local veterinary clinics, police tracked the suspects to a residential unit in Ho Man Tin and arrested two women, aged 28 and 39, on Monday morning.

They were released on bail and must report to police in mid-June.

During a search of the flat, officers discovered three additional dogs. While the animals appeared healthy and tested negative for viral infections, the SPCA took them for further observation.