Hong Kong police have arrested two men on suspicion of animal cruelty after allegations emerged online that two dogs were taken away from a Buddhist monastery on Lantau Island with plastic bags over their heads.

An internet user on Tuesday accused staff at the Po Lin Monastery of wrapping the heads of two female dogs in plastic bags and leaving them on a hill.

Police said on Saturday that they had contacted the relevant organisation after the online claim became known and, following investigations, arrested two men in southern Lantau.

The couple – a 65-year-old man surnamed Ng and a 46-year-old man surnamed Chui – were arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and detained for further investigation.

The monastery said on Friday that after receiving a complaint, it immediately questioned the employees involved in the incident and ordered staff to search for the dogs.

“Buddhism is all about compassion. The monastery has always treated Ngong Ping’s stray dogs kindly, providing them with a simple resting place, neutering, vaccinations and general medical care,” it says.

“The monastery has not been able to find the two dogs yet. It has already posted missing persons notices in the area and will continue to ensure that employees track down the animals. We hope to find them as soon as possible so that we can take care of them.”

Cruelty to animals is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of HK$200,000 (US$25,605) under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance.