Replies to LegCo questions
LCQ10: Cases of dog poisoning and finding of poisoned bait
Following is a question by the Hon Tanya Chan and a written reply by the Acting
Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Gabriel Leung, in the Legislative
Council today (January 12):
Question:
It has been reported that incidents of dogs killed by poisoned meat occurred
from time to time at Bowen Road in Mid-Levels, and more than 100 dogs have been
fatally poisoned so far. Recently, some members of the public have found
poisoned baits again in the vicinity of the aforesaid area, indicating that the
problem has not yet been solved. In view of the suspected wilful poisoning of
and cruelty to dogs, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the number of cases the Government received in the past four years on
dogs fatally poisoned or poisoned meat found in the vicinity of Bowen Road;
whether it had followed up on these cases; if so, of the details and results; if
not, the reasons for that;
(b) given that it has been reported that most of the dogs fatally poisoned in
the aforesaid area had owners, whether the Government has stepped up publicity
among the dog owners in that area in view of the above incidents, so as to raise
their concern and awareness of fatal poisoning of dogs, and to inform them what
they should do if they encounter such situations; if it has, of the details; if
not, the reasons for that;
(c) whether the Government will consider stepping up patrol in the aforesaid
area and other popular locations for walking dogs, so as to prevent the
law-breakers from continuing to fatally poison dogs; if it will, of the details;
if not, the reasons for that; and
(d) in view of the fatal poisoning of dogs or other serious infringement of
animals' rights and safety, whether the Government will consider reviewing the
existing legislation and law enforcement guidelines on protection of animals'
rights, so as to achieve greater deterrent effect; if it will, of the details;
if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
(a) The numbers of reports received by the Police over the past four years on
dog poisoning and finding of poisoned bait on Hong Kong Island are at Annex.
The Police always attach great importance to such cases. Recent cases of dog
poisoning and finding of poisoned bait that happened in the vicinity of Bowen
Road are being investigated by the regional crime unit of the Hong Kong Island
Police Region.
(b) & (c) The Police has stepped up patrols in the crime scenes and the nearby
areas to prevent the recurrence of these cases. Meanwhile, in order to solve the
crimes quickly and to alert the public to the incidents, police officers have
been deployed to distribute leaflets and to put up posters in the vicinity of
the crime scenes. The public are encouraged to provide information for the
investigation and dog owners are reminded to take proper care of their dogs and
muzzle them while walking them. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
Department also calls on dog owners to take good care of their dogs when taking
them out, e.g. keeping them on a leash and muzzling them whenever necessary in
order to prevent them from eating food left on roadsides.
(d) The Government reviews from time to time whether animal rights are
adequately protected under the existing legislation. In 2006, the Government
substantially increased the penalty for cruelty to animals from a fine of $5,000
and imprisonment of six months to a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment of three
years. Since the implementation of the revised penalties, the overall figures
relating to complaints and reports of suspected cruelty to animals have
declined, reflecting the strong deterrent effect of the relevant legislation. We
consider that the best way to combat dog poisoning cases is to step up patrol
and encourage the public to provide information for assisting the police
investigation. Besides, as stated above, dog owners should also take good care
of their dogs.
Ends/Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Issued at HKT 12:40
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Annex to LegCo Q10