Replies to LegCo questions
LCQ3: Measures for dealing with animal abuse
Following is a question by the Hon Margaret Ng and an oral reply by the Secretary for Health Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (February 8):
Question:
Regarding the measures adopted by the Government for dealing with animal abuse,
will the Government inform this Council:
(a) whether it will consider imposing heavier fines on animal abusers to enhance
the deterrent effect;
(b) how it will improve the procedures adopted by law enforcement agencies for
handling reports by the public on animal abuse cases, and to strengthen
publicity and education among the public, especially the young people, on animal
protection, so as to make them understand that they should respect life; and
(c) whether it will review the existing legislation on animal protection to see
if there are any outdated provisions; if so, of the specific details of the
review plan?
Reply:
Madam President:
(a) According to our past experience in enforcement and investigation, most of
the animal cruelty cases are due to negligence, such as failing to provide
adequate care. Cases of ill treating animals with intention are generally
uncommon. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), the
maximum penalty for cruelty to animals is a fine of HK$5000 and imprisonment for
6 months. The administration is studying the level of penalty on animal cruelty
of other countries. We are considering to increase the maximum penalty to
enhance the deterrent effect.
(b) If the public discover any act of animal cruelty, they can call the police,
or call the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) via 1823
��Citizen's Easy Link" hotline. The public can also report via email. Upon
receipt of reported cases, the enforcement agencies will deal with the case as
soon as possible. If there is sufficient evidence showing that the person
concerned violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169),
the offender will be prosecuted. According to the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals Ordinance Cap 169, any senior veterinary officer, any other officer of
the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the grade of Field
Officer II and above and authorised in writing by the Director of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Conservation, health officer, health inspector or police officer
may enforce the Ordinance. The current procedures adopted by the enforcement
agencies in handling reports of cruelty to animals are considered both
appropriate and sufficient. The Police and the AFCD will continue to work in
close collaboration with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in tackling
these types of offences.
Pet owners have the responsibility to take good care of their animals. AFCD
conducts regular village and community campaign, such as educating the public to
be responsible to their pets and ensure that they comply with vaccination and
licensing requirements. Website of AFCD contains educational materials available
to the public. AFCD take every opportunity in dog shows or animal related
activities to educate the public. A radio APIs on the topic of prevention of
cruelty to animals has been produced. In addition, we will produce series of TV
and radio APIs to remind people the importance of treating pets well,
Responsible Pet Ownership and respect the life of animals. The APIs will be
ready for broadcast in February 2006. Posters and pamphlets on the same topics
are being produced, which can be sent to schools, pet shops, veterinary clinics
and private buildings when ready.
Besides, on the prevention and education fronts, the Police Public Relations
Bureau (PPRB) has formulated an action plan for 2006 to enhance public awareness
through established channels, i.e. Police TV Programmes, Junior Police Call
Radio Programmes and press interviews, with the aims of highlighting the
responsibilities of pet ownership and care, and also seeking to enlist public
support in reporting instances of cruelty to animals to Police.
Where an investigation unit considers a public appeal appropriate for a specific
case or series of cases, PPRB will also arrange for prompt publicity.
(c) Currently, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169) covers
various aspects of physical suffering of animals and the coverage is adequate.
Strengthening enforcement, education and publicity together with deterrent
penalty would be an effective way to address the problem. We remain open to
review the relevant Ordinance.
Ends/Wednesday, February 8, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:27
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