Animal rights group PETA has launched a series of protests against Hong Kong Technology Venture Company Limited (HKTV). PETA is the parent company of popular online shopping platform HKTVmall.
PETA protests as HKTV decapitated pigs, sheep in 38 experiments
According to PETA, the protest follows revelations that the firm has decapitated and dismembered pigs and sheep in dozens of cruel experiments.
Since 2022, HKTV has severed the heads and limbs of animals in 38 experiments. It claims that the research aims to develop technology that keeps animal organs viable for human transplantation.
The company asserts that severed animal limbs remain usable for up to 46 hours. They also said decapitated heads survive for about seven hours, a claim experimenters describe as the world’s first.
HKTV argues the research could one day advance organ transplantation or extend human lifespan. However, the company’s own board of directors admits the experiments remain purely exploratory and highly speculative.
It also offers no assurance of future benefits. Despite this, HKTV plans to continue investing tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars annually into the project.
Public outrage triggers HKTVmall boycott
The firm insists it provided animals with pain relief in compliance with ethical regulations. But Hong Kong’s Department of Health has confirmed that the tests were not conducted within the city.
This also raises serious questions about transparency, oversight, and ethics. Public outrage has erupted across Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, consumers have launched boycotts against HKTV, with many uninstalling the company’s app. At least one supplier of companion animal health products has already removed its goods from HKTVmall.
PETA is now urging HKTV leadership to align with international standards. The group has called on the public to take immediate action.
“Please take action today by urging HKTV leadership to fall in line with international standards by adopting compassionate, ethical practices and banning these cruel experiments on animals. After you take action, you will see an easy way to share this information.“
In a recent development, the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has warned that current welfare legislation must be re-examined to curb online animal abuse. SPCA argues that new online safety laws do not go far enough to curb the rising tide of digital animal cruelty.