Hong Kong: Animal Abuse Prevention High On Agenda W/TV/Radio Messages

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J2468 wrote:

HK: Animal Abuse Prevention High On Agenda W/TV/Radio Messages

 

 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

 

 

Google News Alert

 

 

Via: News.gov.hk

 

 

Hong Kong

 

 

http://news.gov.hk/en/category/lawandorder/060208/html/060208en08004.htm

 

 

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Crime prevention

 

 

Anti-animal abuse messages stepped up

 

 

The Government is studying other countries' animal-cruelty penalties

with a view to increasing the maximum penalty here to boost the

deterrent effect,

Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow said.

 

 

Speaking in reply to a question from lawmaker Margaret Ng in the

Legislative Council today, Dr Chow noted most animal-cruelty cases are

due to negligence. Cases of ill treatment of animals with intent are

generally uncommon, he added.

 

 

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), the

maximum penalty for cruelty to animals is currently a $5,000 fine and

six months in prison.

 

 

" Strengthening enforcement, education and publicity together with

deterrent penalty would be an effective way to address the problem, " Dr

Chow said, adding the Government is open to reviewing the ordinance.

 

 

Responsible pet ownership publicity to be stepped up

 

 

The Government has also produced a radio announcement in the public

interest - or API - on the topic of prevention of cruelty to animals,

and will produce a series of TV and radio APIs reminding people of the

importance of treating their pets well, responsible pet ownership and

respect for animals' lives. They will begin broadcasting them this

month, Dr Chow said.

 

 

Posters and pamphlets on the same topics are in production, to be sent

to schools, pet shops, veterinary clinics and private buildings.

 

 

He noted other Government departments also play a role in educating the

public as to treating animals well.

 

 

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservatio Department conducts regular

village and community campaigns, to educate the public to be responsible

towards their pets and ensure they comply with vaccination and licensing

requirements.

 

 

The AFCD website contains educational materials available to the public,

and the department takes every opportunity in dog shows or

animal-related activities to get its messages across.

 

 

The Police Public Relations Bureau has an action plan for 2006 to

enhance public awareness through Police TV programmes, Junior Police

Call radio programmes and press interviews.

 

 

It aims to highlight the responsibilities of pet ownership and care, and

enlist public support in reporting instances of animal cruelty to

Police.

 

 

Animal-cruelty acts can be reported by dialling 1823

 

 

Anyone who comes across an act of animal cruelty can call the Police, or

call the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department by dialling

1823, the " Citizen's Easy Link " hotline, or by sending an email.

 

 

The enforcement agencies will deal with the case as soon as possible

upon receipt of a report. If there is sufficient evidence showing that

the person concerned violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Ordinance, the offender will be prosecuted.

 

 

The Police and the AFCD will continue to work in close collaboration

with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or SPCA, in

tackling these types of offences, Dr Chow said..

 

 

Where an investigation unit considers a public appeal appropriate for a

specific case or series of cases, the Police Public Relations Bureau

will also arrange for prompt publicity.

 

 

He added the Government remains open to reviewing the relevant

ordinance.

 

 

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