(CN- HKG) Penalties for animal cruelty increased

[Guest guest]

Saturday, November 11, 2006

South China Morning Post

http://hongkong.scmp.com/hknews/ZZZ3E0M47UE.html

 

Government does U-turn and gives in to calls from rights groups,

legislators

by VIVIENNE CHOW

 

The government yesterday gave in to calls from animal rights groups

and legislators, making a surprise U-turn to increase the maximum

penalties for animal cruelty to three years' jail and a fine of up to

HK$200,000.

 

At yesterday's meeting of the Legislative Council bills committee,

Wallace Lau Ka-ki, principal assistant secretary for food and

environmental hygiene, said the government had considered feedback

from animal rights groups and decided to increase the jail penalty

from the proposed two years to three years in the Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill 2006.

 

The government has also promised to complete a full review of animal

welfare regulations in 12 months.

 

A week ago the government threatened to withdraw the bill if

legislators insisted on increasing the jail penalty for animal

cruelty from the proposed two years to three, the same as that for

common assault against people.

 

The existing maximum penalty for animal cruelty is six months' jail

and a HK$5,000 fine.

 

Committee members said they were delighted the government had finally

listened to the voice of the people.

 

" I'm very happy that today we are making great progress, " said Civic

Party leader Audrey Eu Yuet-mee. " Last time, the government did not

accept the proposals. "

 

Legislators hope the latest amendment can pass into law as soon as

December 6. Mr Lau said that once the bill became law, there would be

a series of publicity campaigns to educate the public. Animal rights

groups claimed victory yesterday and praised government officials for

taking the right course to further animal welfare in the city.

 

Vicky Chu Po-shan of Animal Earth said the difference between two and

three years' jail might not be great but it was the government's

attitude that counted.

 

" The government has sent out a clear message to the public that it

cares about the issue, " Ms Chu said. " In fact, in an online survey we

did earlier, out of some 4,000 replies, over 50 per cent of them

suggested a much longer term of imprisonment. "

 

But fellow Animal Earth worker Carmen Chan Wai-man said the success

of the amendment was only the first step; co-operation from law

enforcement and the judiciary would be important in enforcing it.

 

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals welcomed the

amendment.

 

" Although educational effort is crucial and shall never be

discounted, the elevation in penalty is inevitably the most powerful

tool to combat the crime, " said society deputy director of animal

welfare Fiona Woodhouse.

 

A society statement said: " While the public may focus their attention

on forced violence, the SPCA reminds that torture to animals brought

about by negligence shall never be overlooked. Stray animals are a

territory-wide issue and we are actively assisting the government in

the implementation of humane and effective solutions. "

 

Are the increases in penalties for animal cruelty sufficient? Send

your comments to Talkback!.