Snake handler captures 2.5-metre python that swallowed cat in Hong Kong
A Hong Kong snake handler captured a 2.5-metre (8.2 feet) long python that had swallowed a stray cat near a village house in Ma On Shan on Saturday morning.
Police received a report at around 6.25am from a Chek Nai Ping Village resident who discovered that the python was swallowing a cat outside the No 91 village house.
A snake handler was sent to the scene and captured the Burmese python, which was later placed in a cloth bag and transferred to the Kadoorie Farm for handling.
According to the force, the startled python regurgitated the stray cat during the capture.
The cat was found dead, and its body was being handled by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
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Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what's happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page. News: How one person can fall victim to loan sharks in Hong Kong High interest rates on loans can lead people to borrow more money to cover their payments When his grandmother died, Hongkonger Fai Chan inherited her flat in eastern Kowloon valued at HK$3 million in 2023. But first, he had to pay a HK$1.2 million premium to the city's Housing Authority. He did not have the money. That was the start of his journey into the world of borrowing at high interest rates and sinking deep into debt. He had been shunned by banks due to a past bankruptcy. So he turned to two well-known finance companies for the money. Each lent him HK$600,000, and he paid the Housing Authority. 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Additionally, moneylenders collect all of a borrower's contact information, as well as that of their family and friends, so they can harass others in the victim's network. Finally, loan sharks charge hidden handling fees, which take advantage of vulnerable individuals who lack the funds to repay their debts. They may resort to borrowing more money from other loan sharks to pay the fees, continuing the cycle. 3. A positive outcome for Chan was that he managed to break the cycle of borrowing and repaying, thanks to a friend lending him money. He was no longer in debt. However, the value of the flat he inherited dropped by more than half, forcing him to sell it. Unfortunately, he was left with very little money after paying off his debts. Illustration 1. This cartoon shows a man stranded on a boat surrounded by sharks. The man seems desperate to grab the money being handed to him by a 'finance company', as it says on the sleeve. This is a nod to the information in the news because the man is in a vulnerable situation and needs cash. He is willing to take the money from this so-called finance company. All the while, he is surrounded by sharks - which represent loan sharks - that are ready to prey on him. 2. Loan sharks likely got their name because sharks are predatory creatures that hunt their prey. Similarly, loan sharks also seek out vulnerable people, hunting them down and preying on their assets. (accept all reasonable answers)
