HONG KONG – Former TVB actress Anne Heung broke down in tears Thursday as she recalled the loss of her 17-year-old dog Chloe, speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Hong Kong Cat Lovers’ Expo. Heung, 49, shared her grief while also voicing strong support for a proposed animal protection bill gaining momentum in the city.
“I still have a one-and-a-half-year-old puppy at home. I just hope she stays healthy and nothing happens,” Heung said, visibly emotional. “I really wanted to adopt a cat for company, but I had allergy symptoms when I kept one before and needed long-term medication. So I gave up the idea.”
Heung was one of several celebrities attending the event, which showcases feline products, adoption drives, and pet-friendly initiatives. Addressing Hong Kong’s push for a more pet-inclusive society, she noted that public acceptance is growing but urged tolerance even from those who do not share the affection for animals.
“Please do not harm them,” she said. “I felt heartbroken when I saw news reports about stray dogs being abused in Jieyang, Guangdong.” Heung added that she would definitely support any legislation aimed at protecting animals, referencing ongoing government discussions in Hong Kong.
The actress joins a growing chorus of local advocates calling for stricter penalties against animal cruelty. Hong Kong’s current animal welfare laws, enforced under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, carry a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of HK$200,000. Critics argue that penalties remain too lenient and enforcement inconsistent.
Also making an appearance at the expo was Shirley Yeung, wife of billionaire businessman William Wu, who unveiled a series of cat-themed paintings she created for charity. The artworks will be auctioned to support animal welfare groups.
Yeung, a former Miss Hong Kong, took the opportunity to update the public on her husband’s health. The couple recently returned from a family trip to South Korea where they contracted the flu. Wu, she revealed, is still recovering—largely because he refuses to follow dietary restrictions.
“He’s not fully recovered yet. It might be because he won’t stop eating certain foods. He’s resting at home now,” Yeung said. Asked if the illness had prompted retirement discussions, she laughed: “Not that soon. We think about it occasionally, but for now, I still feel he is very energetic.”
Yeung also disclosed that she and Wu will appear together in a short-form micro-drama alongside a locally popular comedic singing group known as the “Magic Voice Girl Group.” Wu will not only act but also perform the theme song. Yeung, however, downplayed her own role.
“I’m just making a small appearance. I won’t be dancing, and my husband and I won’t be in the same scenes,” she explained. “I’ve never acted in a drama before. I mainly hosted shows or filmed travel programs. I do have a fair number of scenes this time, so I asked for minimal dialogue. I was afraid I’d hold everyone up. Please don’t blame me if the schedule gets delayed.”
Broader Implications
As Hong Kong debates legislative reforms to strengthen animal welfare, the emotional testimonies of public figures like Heung may help shift public opinion. According to a 2024 survey by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), over 70% of Hong Kong residents support harsher penalties for animal abuse. Advocacy groups are now pushing for mandatory reporting of animal cruelty and harsher fines for repeat offenders.
For pet owners and advocates, the message is clear: the push for legal change is gaining both political and celebrity backing. The coming months could see Hong Kong take a significant step forward in recognizing the rights and welfare of animals.
— Reporting from the Hong Kong Cat Lovers’ Expo 2026
