(CN - HK) Animal protection crusade crosses political divide

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Hong Kong Standard

 

Animal protection crusade crosses political divide

 

Four political parties set aside ideological differences yesterday to

support a motion calling on the government to take urgent action to protect

animals.

 

The motion by Democratic Party chairman Albert Ho Chun- yan follows a series

of grisly incidents that included the back legs of a cat being chopped off

and another feline being deformed from birth by a rubber band placed around

its stomach.

 

Ho, a dog owner, said existing protection for animals is far from sufficient

despite last year's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill

increasing the maximum penalties for such offenses to a fine of HK$200,000

and three years' imprisonment.

 

The motion proposes the abandonment of animals be made an offense and pet

shops be forced to get their supply of animals from licensed breeders.

 

The proposed changes include setting up a police unit to investigate cases

of animal cruelty, as lawmakers said up to now the police force was inclined

to take animal abuse incidents lightly.

 

Liberal legislator Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee said she had received numerous

calls criticizing the police for refusing to investigate animal abuses.

 

In supporting the establishment of the ``animal police,'' Legco security

panel deputy chairman James To kun-sun said: ``At least those on the team

would care and understand more about animals and provide better liaison with

concern groups and animal lovers.''

 

Secretary for Food and Health York Chow Yat-Ngok said his bureau was

considering more stringent licensing requirements for pet shops.

 

But he felt existing law enforcement arrangements were adequate and there

was no need for a police taskforce.

 

Regarding the ``Trap-Neuter-Return'' plan to prevent the growth of stray cat

and dog populations, Chow said only half the district councils supported the

pilot plan though its feasability was still being studied.

 

Animal Earth founder and chief officer David Wong said increasing police

involvement was crucial to deterring animal cruelty.

 

``These cases happen every day. The public has stepped forward to report but

the police's response has become an obstacle,'' he said.

 

Wong said licensing measure would deter pet shops from buying animals from

private breeders, many of which operated in inhumane environments.

 

He said the group will meet with police to further discuss setting up a

special unit. una.so