Marine police and customs officers on Thursday said they had intercepted a boat in Hong Kong waters and arrested a man who allegedly attempted to smuggle over 100 cats and dogs into the territory.

Officers said they spotted the speedboat near Sha Chau on Wednesday evening and stopped it after a chase.

They found 101 cats and 35 dogs in 17 crowded cages.

Officers said the animals, estimated to be worth HK$1.4 million, were to be sold in Hong Kong or were being brought here after they were sold online.

The animals are now under the care of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, police added.