Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in Lok Ma Chau on suspicion of animal cruelty following the discovery of multiple deceased and mistreated animals at his village home.

The force said residents of Chau Tau Tsuen in the New Territories reported of a strange odour coming from the suspect's residence on Sunday evening.

Upon arrival, officers found the bodies of 20 cats and one hamster, along with nine live cats.

Several of the surviving felines, police said, were in poor health, showing signs of suspected mistreatment.

Authorities said that the carcasses will be collected by relevant departments for further investigation.

The nine surviving cats have been removed from the premises and will be handed over to appropriate organisations for necessary care and examination.