Gym Issues Apology After Cleaner Kills Bird in Tuen Mun Branch
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago1 MIN
Summary
A gym chain has issued an apology after a cleaner at its Tuen Mun location killed a bird that accidentally entered the premises. Witnesses reported seeing the cleaner using a towel to drive the bird away before it died. The company has suspended the employee and pledged to develop proper wildlife handling guidelines with animal welfare organizations.
Key Points
- The incident took place at 24/7 FITNESS's fifth branch in Tuen Mun, located in Tai Hing Gardens
- Witnesses said the cleaner approached the mirrored area with a towel and flailed it repeatedly, ultimately causing the bird's death
- The gym posted an apology statement on social media on the same day, acknowledging the incident as a "deeply regrettable event"
- The outsourced cleaning company has suspended the relevant employee's duties while providing psychological support
- Under Hong Kong's Wildlife Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170), intentionally disturbing or harming wild birds carries a maximum penalty of HK$100,000 and one year imprisonment
Why It Matters
This incident has reignited public debate about animal protection standards in Hong Kong's commercial spaces. The case highlights gaps in frontline staff training for handling unexpected wildlife encounters, prompting the gym chain to commit to new protocols developed jointly with animal welfare groups.
This incident has reignited public debate about animal protection standards in Hong Kong's commercial spaces. The case highlights gaps in frontline staff training for handling unexpected wildlife encounters, prompting the gym chain to commit to new protocols developed jointly with animal welfare groups.