Earlier this year, the government issued a "rat killing order" on the grounds of epidemic prevention, suggesting that citizens hand over the hamsters purchased after December 22 last year, and more than 2,000 hamsters were humanely destroyed. For example, it is stated that a health officer can order the owner to hand over items, including animals, with a fine of 10,000 yuan and imprisonment for six months. The new amendment has come into effect on March 31.
Some senior dog volunteers pointed out that it is unrealistic for the government to force owners to hand over their pets without consultation. They criticized other issues that require legislative regulation, such as unlicensed breeding.
Many people regard pets as family members. However, the government pointed out that after the amendments, if any item (including animals) is infected with a specified infectious disease, or may have been infected with a specified infectious disease, the health officer may order the implementation of any disease control measures on the item , or destroy the item.
(File photo/Photo by Liang Pengwei)
The new law stipulates that non-compliance with the order can be fined 10,000 yuan and imprisoned for half a year
Chen Zhaoshi, Secretary for Food and Health, responded to a question by Legislator Zhang Guojun through a written reply from the Legislative Council a few days ago (6th), pointing out that by the end of March, a total of 145 hamsters had been abandoned by their owners and handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A), which stipulates that animal owners are required to surrender animals as directed by health officers. Those who fail to comply with the instructions are liable to a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for 6 months. The amendments have been made in Effective March 31 this year.
In addition, Chen also pointed out that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has already reported to the police that someone obstructed the handing over of the hamster.
In addition to the hamster owner, the incident also caused dissatisfaction among cat, dog, rabbit and other animal people from all walks of life.
Senior dog volunteer Yvonne questioned, "If the animal is handed over, will the government take care of the animal?" She pointed out that it is understandable if you just go to a veterinarian for an examination and take good care of it, and then return it after confirming that there is no problem, but if it cannot be taken back, then Never agree.
"The government will never control the source. After the incident, it will force the public first!" Yvonne believes that there is no data to prove that every hamster is infected, and it is unrealistic to force the owner to hand it over. The government should deal with the source.
Check it out when you enter the country. "Other things that need to be regulated by legislation, such as unlicensed breeding and tightening regulations on dog shops, the government has never followed up nervously."
▼At the beginning of this year, there were suspected cases of new coronary pneumonia from hamsters in Hong Kong, and the government issued a "rodent eradication order"▼
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Ai Association expresses strong concern about the handling of new cases
The Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Animals (HKPA) also said on the Internet yesterday that it expresses strong concern about the scope of the new measures and the handling methods of ordering citizens to surrender animals.
The Association pointed out that all sectors of society in Hong Kong have sufficient capacity and a positive attitude to deal with various issues related to pets, and pointed out that when formulating any regulations related to pets, it is necessary to take into account the emotional bond between humans and animals. The department will clarify and clarify the details of the regulations as soon as possible.
The Association reiterates that, in general, the risk of direct transmission of COVID-19 from pets to humans is minimal. On the contrary, once humans are infected, the risk of transmission to animals is even greater. Pet owners should contact friends or family members in advance to ensure that they can Temporarily take care of the pet in an emergency, so as not to be temporarily unable to take care of the pet once the owner is unfortunately diagnosed or encounters other circumstances.
The Association also urges owners to prepare their pet’s medical records, veterinarians, and pet insurance and other contact information in advance, so that they can be transferred to those who can temporarily care for their pets at any time, and not to panic or abandon their pets. At the moment, pets need the love and care of their owners very much.
"Pets accompany humans through many ups and downs. In times of crisis, humans should not abandon your loyal companions."
In addition, Tai Po District Councillor He Weilin also expressed that "pointing to the incident can be counter-intellectual", and described the action as "tyranny and fiercer than Omicron."
145 Hamsters were destroyed by humane government amendments to "spicier" refusal to hand over animals can be fined 10,000 yuan in prison for half a year to kill hamsters | Sending little lives to the Rainbow Bridge by rattling the bell
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