The Life of a Chained Dog in Hong Kong: Wong B of Ping Che

Her name is Wong B — a chained dog we came across by chance in Ping Che. The first time we met her, Wong B was sitting by the roadside with another dog companion, quietly resting. When strangers walked by, they simply looked on calmly or smiled. With her chubby, round body and fluffy white fur, she looked like a big polar bear — that's probably why she left such a strong impression.

On our way back from a visit, we saw Wong B again. This time, she was resting in a small alley filled with clutter and bricks, just outside a makeshift shelter built from metal frames, bricks, and wooden planks. When she saw us approaching, she stood up and wagged her tail.

At the end of the alley was a house. A villager came out and spoke to us about Wong B. She told us that Wong B had originally belonged to her neighbour, who moved to the city last year. Since then, the neighbour has only returned occasionally, leaving Wong B behind. Seeing the dog alone, the villager began feeding her. She said Wong B doesn't trust people easily, and it took a long time to build up any kind of relationship with her.

She explained that there are many large trucks and people passing through Ping Che Road. When it's busy, Wong B can be intimidating when she barks, and she sometimes chases cats. So, during the busier times of day, they keep her chained for safety. When it's quieter, or at night, she's let off to roam freely.

When I heard that Wong B had been left behind by her owner after moving away, I was full of questions. How could someone do that? What would have happened to her if the neighbour hadn't stepped in to care for her? There's a certain pattern to how dogs are raised in the villages. With outdoor space available, villagers are used to keeping their dogs outside — either chained, caged, or allowed to roam for toilet breaks. To them, this feels very normal, and it's quite different from city dog ownership.

But what is traditional and commonplace doesn't necessarily mean it's what's best for the animals. Nor does it mean there's deliberate cruelty. Still, as times change, there is room, and need, for improvement. After thanking the neighbour for sharing Wong B's story, we left. We send our warmest wishes to this 14-year-old granny, Wong B, and hope she can enjoy her twilight years peacefully here.