The Legislative Council held a physical meeting today (27th). DAB Legislative Council member Ge Peifan raised a written question about the regulations on the prevention of cruelty to animals and whether there was any regulation on the release of animals.
The Secretary for Food and Health, Sophie Chan, replied in writing that there is no law prohibiting the release of animals in Hong Kong, but such acts will damage the local ecology, and the government does not encourage the public to release animals.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department called on the public to use other methods such as tree planting and donations instead of releasing animals.
Alien species may compete with native animals for resources
Chen Zhaoshi pointed out that there is currently no law prohibiting the release of animals in Hong Kong, but the government does not encourage citizens to release animals on their own, because improper release behaviors include placing animals in unsuitable environments or affecting the survival of animals.
Moreover, the released animals may not be able to coordinate with native species, and may compete with native species for resources, which will have a negative impact on the local ecology.
She said the government proposes to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance to specify that the release of an animal causing unnecessary suffering to the animal is an act of cruelty to animals, and to increase the relevant penalties.
Under the current law, any act involving cruelty to animals that causes unnecessary suffering to any animal is an offence, punishable by a fine of up to $200,000 and imprisonment for three years.
At the same time, the AFCD will continue to cooperate with organizations concerned about the release of animals, and educate the public on the possible impact of the release activities through posters and other means, reminding the public to consider carefully before releasing animals.
It also appeals to the public to consider replacing the release activities with other charitable acts, such as tree planting, volunteer services, donations to support wildlife rescue groups or environmental organizations, and help save local species and their habitats.
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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has received 10 complaints about the release of animals in 3 years. No cruelty to animals. Therefore, there was only zero control and only strengthened education. Volunteers rescued 100 released turtles in 5 months. Half of them became sick and died. The person in charge of persuasion to stop fails: biological reincarnation is good