******************************************************

Hard-working and dedicated Police officers have spent their free time to hunt wide animals that cause considerable damage to the public.

Responding to a newspaper report and a commentary earlier this week which alleged that Police officers had wasted manpower in hunting wild boars in Sai Kung, a Police spokesman said today (Tuesday) that the officers concerned conducted the hunting in their own time after their primary duties have been concluded.

"They are doing additional duty for no reward other than a desire to serve the public and do not in any way shirk their normal duties," he said.

"Rather than being publicly castigated in the newspaper, they should be commended for their willingness to give up their free time and family life to get rid of a dangerous and wild animal," he said.

The wild boar hunting team is set up under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. Under this Ordinance the civilian hunting team is authorised by the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries Department.

"As part of the conditions of the permit, the hunters can only operate in accordance with conditions set by the Commissioner of Police and must be accompanied by a Police officer. Additionally, hunting may only take place on complaint of damage to property," the spokesman said.

"As wild boar hunting is not a specific duty of the Police, we call for volunteers from the Force to supervise and manage the hunting team. These officers are qualified in firing shotguns and had attended a course on the humane killing of animals," he said.

"The main focus of the Police involvement is to ensure that hunting is conducted safely both in terms of protecting the general public as well as the hunting team itself," he said.

"Prior to conducting a wild boar hunt, approval had been given by a senior Police officer from Kowloon East Regional Headquarters to use shotguns and ammunition," he added.

The Police officers had officially recorded the time they spent on the hunt so as to ensure that only those authorised persons took weapons and ammunition.

The spokesman also rejected criticism of the type of weapons used during the hunt.

"This allegation is obviously from a source who lacked sufficient knowledge. The weapons and ammunition used by the Police members of the team are suitable." he stressed.

Police Report No.7

Issued By PPRB

End/1845 hours, Tuesday, October 12, 1999 (JOL/BY)

NNNN