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Fishery and Conservation Department's ineffective enforcement of animal rights has failed to see targets

2021-12-23T23:13:22.333Z


The Office of The Ombudsman released a proactive investigation report on Thursday (23rd), reviewing the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s regulatory work on dog owners’ responsibilities, pointing out that licensing, implanting chips and vaccinating dogs is more than just prevention


The Office of The Ombudsman released a proactive investigation report on Thursday (23rd), reviewing the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s regulatory work on dog owners’ responsibilities, stating that licensing, implanting chips and vaccinating dogs is more than just preventing rabies The necessary measures for an outbreak are to protect the welfare of dogs.

However, in the past 10 years, more than 160,000 dogs have not been renewed and vaccinated against rabies. The reasons are that the AFCD’s work is too passive and law enforcement is too low, which makes it difficult to deter offenders.


The report finally put forward 11 recommendations, including more stringent follow-up of suspected violations of dog owners, and strengthening of investigations and evidence searches, random inspections of dog licenses in public places where dogs gather, and improvements related to reducing abandonment of breeding For the work of dogs, it is hoped that the AFCD will focus on improving policies and implementation capabilities to protect public health and safety, as well as the welfare of dogs.

The AFCD has issued 637,486 dog licenses, of which 167,826 (26%) have expired.

(Photo of the Office of The Ombudsman)

A comprehensive response to the issue of abandonment

The investigation by the Office of the Commissioner’s Office revealed that the AFCD’s work is lacking. Most of the problems have also been suggested for follow-up. The AFCD is undoubtedly responsible for making improvements, but this does not mean that all problems are the source. From the Fisheries and Conservation Department.

On the contrary, part of the responsibility actually falls on the breeder, and it is difficult to attribute all the responsibilities to the department in the category of abandoned animals.

At present, pet owners only need to fill in the animal handling authorization form to hand over their pets to the animal management center of the AFCD, and even request the AFCD to collect abandoned pets.

According to figures from the Fisheries and Conservation Department, in 2019 and 2020, 818 and 656 animals surrendered by their owners were received respectively. Only a very small number of animals will be retrieved under the owner’s reconsideration. In a disguised form, they are provided for abandoned owners. Convenience, the department undoubtedly provided an incentive for the abandonment of the breeding.

The report mentioned that the AFCD stated that it is considering no longer maintaining relevant policies. It is believed that the starting point of the agency is to deal with the issue of abandonment. The Commissioner’s Office believes that it is necessary to strengthen the regulation of dog owners’ legal responsibilities before implementing this measure.

However, to deal with the issue of abandonment more comprehensively, it is necessary to start with the breeder, such as increasing the education of the public, thinking twice before raising animals, and strengthening the penalties for illegal abandonment, so as to implement both soft and hard.

Animal rights are more than protection from abuse

In addition to focusing on dog welfare, the entire report also pointed out that the government's thinking on animal rights still has inadequacies. In addition to strengthening existing laws and enforcement methods, it can actually consider improving animal rights at the same time.

According to a thematic study conducted by the Census and Statistics Department in 2005, it is estimated that there are about 524,800 pets in 286,300 households in Hong Kong, accounting for 12% of the total households. The Census and Statistics Department even stated that the relevant figures may be underestimated, which means the number of pets in Hong Kong. It should be even larger, and it shows the need to improve animal rights.

The Director of the Food and Health Bureau, Chen Zhaoshi, stated in his blog in October that the government proposed to amend the "Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance" to include increased penalties for the crime of cruelty to animals.

However, for Hong Kong, where there is no "Animal Protection Law", it may be more necessary to strengthen the implementation of the "duty of care", such as requiring the person in charge of animals to properly take care of animals, and authorizing the court to cancel convictions for cruel treatment of animals. Qualifications for people to keep animals, etc.

Animal rights are also particularly important in society, because they can demonstrate social progress, so the government should not take this issue lightly. It should require active and proper care of animals as the core of its animal policy, and strive to promote Hong Kong to become a more civilized and animal-friendly city ​​of.

Wild animals have repeatedly appeared in the urban area to lure them back to their habitats. 30 animals have been taken off the street. The government can’t "lost before they fight". The new marine park should truly protect the animals.

Source: hk1

All news articles on 2021-12-23

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