'Democracy Dogs' add bite to Hong Kong protests
Dogs are adding an additional bite to the ongoing pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong as the demonstrators blocking the central part of the city for about a week brought their pets into the agitation fondly calling them democracy dogs.
The dogs added colour and banter to otherwise tense week-long Occupy Central agitation by thousands of youth and students which was marred by confrontation with police who used pepper spray and tear gas.
Pro-democracy protesters stop an anti-Occupy Central protester from going near their tent on a main street at Hong Kong's Mongkok shopping district. Photograph: Bobby Yip/Reuters
One of the democracy dogs, as fellow protesters affectionately called them, was chihuahua Snowy, who accompanied her owner, 29-year-old public relations worker Jan Pang, to the protests in Central.
French bulldog Meimei had goggles and a mask with herjust in case", said owner Alex Holm. Holm said he couldnt vouch for Meimeis precisepolitical views, but she (is) definitely pro-democracy, Hong Kong based South China Morning Post reported.
Democracy dogs also made an appearance in Mong Kok, drawing large crowds hoping for a photo opportunity. Im sure it wont bite, one parent was heard telling to her child.
Demonstrators hold signs and umbrellas in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy marches, at Times Square in New York. Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
It will only bite Leung Chun-ying, he said, referring to Hong Kongs pro-Beijing Chief Executive who resisted calls by protesters to resign.