Hong Kong animal lovers can now give pets a proper send off

HONG KONG (AFP) - Pet-mad Hong Kongers can now keep the memories of their dearly departed companions alive in the city's first-ever pet cemetery, media reports said.

Although such burial grounds are common in other parts of the world, until now most of Hong Kong's late furry friends have been dumped in public waste-disposal centres or left in the street for refuse collectors to deal with.

For between 6,000 and 12,000 Hong Kong dollars (770-1,540 US dollars) a year, the Moon Animal Memorial Garden in the territory's picturesque rural north will provide a funeral service and plot in landscaped grounds, the South China Morning Post reported.

The price also includes grooming of the dead pet, a coffin and a personalised tombstone, the report added.

"We are bringing pet owners a peaceful and garden-like environment where they can visit their pets at a serene resting place," cemetery director Gabriel Ho said.

Ho's animal-psychic sister Elaine will also be on hand so owners can keep in touch with their pets beyond the grave, the report added.