The 59-year-old defendant surnamed Cheung, admitted to the allegation of 'slaughter of a dog or cat for food' this morning at the West Kowloon district magistrates.

The defense pointed out that Cheung, who came to Hong Kong a few years ago, was born in a mainland village and had only primary-level education. She knew that she was not allowed to kill cats and dogs for food, but did not know that she couldn't cook cats and dogs that were already dead.

The defense further added that Cheung had been regretful after being arrested and fully assisted with the police investigation.

In sentencing, Magistrate Veronica Heung Shuk-han said that no evidence showed the defendant killed the cat and sentenced Cheung to four weeks in prison with a 24-month probation.