Hong Kong police are investigating the suspected poisoning of four dogs on farms in the northern New Territories, with an animal welfare group saying two other canines are missing and describing the cases as “heartbreaking”.

The Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation said on Friday that the incidents were among at least 19 reported cases linked to poisonings in the local area since last year.

The group added that lethal poison baits had been placed on farms in areas such as Kwu Tung and Lok Ma Chau and were believed to be targeting dogs.

Narelle Pamuk, the charity’s chairwoman and operator, said she was “absolutely devastated” by the discovery of four of the six dogs lying bloated and unconscious next to ponds in fish farms.

“No animal deserves to die from poisoning … It’s certainly not a happy new year for myself or my volunteers who dearly love these dogs on the border,” said Pamuk, who has regularly visited the area with volunteers to check on the dogs since 2021.

“It’s heartbreaking, it’s dreadful, so bad. I just can’t get over.”