Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Reverend Canon the Hon Peter Douglas Koon and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (February 25):
Question:
There are views that the Government’s protection of animal rights and interests is far from adequate. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1), (3) and (6) The Government has been curbing acts of cruelty to animals through stringent enforcement and preventive education initiatives.
As regards suspected poisonous baits found by the roadside and animals dying after consuming such baits, enforcement officers conduct comprehensive investigation, and instigate prosecution once sufficient evidence has been obtained to identify the persons involved and in establishing their act constitute an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169) (the Ordinance). However, as most of such cases lack eyewitnesses to the incident, enforcement officers inevitably encounter considerable difficulties in gathering evidence and establishing a case. The Government encourages informants to provide as much information as possible to facilitate follow-up and investigation by law enforcement agencies. In making a decision of whether or not to prosecute, the departments make an objective and professional assessment of the available evidence and applicable law, strictly act in accordance with the Prosecution Code issued by the Department of Justice, and would seek legal advice from the Department of Justice as necessary. The HKPF does not maintain the breakdown of the number of reports and prosecutions for such cases.
As regards stray animals, the AFCD will endeavour to trace and contact the keeper of an animal following its seizure or capture. If contact is unsuccessful, the department will transfer animals suitable for rehoming to animal welfare organisations for adoption by members of the public; and relocate cattle suitable for release to appropriate sites (such as country parks).