Approximately 7 million people live in Hong Kong, China. That’s nearly 7x the population of Manhattan. Apartment living can be considered cramped in any city in the United States, but it’s nothing compared to the conditions that some people in Hong Kong must deal with. Even though the city technically is one of the world’s richest, there are thousands of people that are subjected to inhumane living conditions because there is simply nowhere else to live. These photographs taken by Brian Cassey will hit you in the gut.
You wouldn’t treat a dog this way, yet this is life for some people.
In one of the most densely-populated urban districts in the WORLD, people live in 6x2ft cages.
Brian Cassey
The people of Hong Kong refer to them as “cage dogs.”
Brian Cassey
They are the “working poor” that cannot afford Hong Kong’s expensive rents.
Brian Cassey
It costs these citizens up to $200 a month to live in these cages.
Brian Cassey
They can be packed 20 cages to a room, sometimes stacked 3 cages high.
Brian Cassey
The occupants must share toilets and sinks, the most rudimentary of bathroom facilities.
Brian Cassey
Most “apartments” don’t have a kitchen, so the residents must waste their money on take-out food.
Brian Cassey
Groups like the Society for Community Organization attempt to re-house the cage dwellers.
Brian Cassey
Life is hard for these “cage dogs.”
Brian Cassey
It’s impossible to earn a living that can get them out of these squalid conditions.
Brian Cassey
The alternative is life on the street.
Brian Cassey
Living inside under these conditions could be worse.
Brian Cassey
The disparity between the upper and lower class in Hong Kong is sickening. Not only do the other residents of the city turn their heads, but the landlords are more than willing to abuse their power in order make as much money as they can.
Source: Brian Cassey via amusingplanet.com