A search is continuing on Lantau Island for two stray dogs who were allegedly abused by workers of the Po Lin Monastery last Tuesday.

Police confirmed they have arrested two men, aged 65 and 46, on suspicion of animal abuse. Both have been granted bail pending an investigation.

The pair, who worked as chefs at the Buddhist institution, allegedly removed the canines from the quarters, before setting them free at a remote location.

The monastery said it has arranged staff to look for the stay dogs near Sham Wat Road.

In a statement online, it said, "the monastery has always been kind to stray dogs around Ngong Ping, providing them a shelter, arranging sterilisation, vaccination and basic medical treatment".

The sprawling monastery on Ngong Ping is home to the Big Buddha, one of the main tourist attractions of Hong Kong.