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LCQ8: Keeping of dangerous pets
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    Following is a question by the Hon Bernard Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, in the Legislative Council today (November 26):

Question:

    It has been reported that the recent appearance of a crocodile at Yuen Long has aroused public concern about people secretly keeping and then abandoning ferocious pets.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether there is legislation to regulate and guard against the import and keeping of ferocious pets by the public or shops; if so, of the details, and whether the authorities have issued warnings to or instituted prosecutions against members of the public or shops for importing and keeping ferocious pets; if there is no legislation, whether the authorities will consider enacting such legislation?

Reply:

    The importation of live animals requires Special Permits issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance (Cap. 139).  This permit system allows AFCD to monitor and regulate the importation of live animals into Hong Kong.  Permits will not be issued for the importation of animals that pose potential hazards to the public, such as venomous or large pet snakes.

    In addition, some potentially dangerous animals such as crocodile, bear and tiger are endangered species controlled under the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (Cap. 187). Except those with exemptions, the import, export and possession of all scheduled species under Cap. 187 require a licence issued by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation.

    In 2000, the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167 Sub. Leg.) was enacted to prohibit the importation of dangerous fighting dogs, including Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero and the crosses of any breed of the above four breeds.  The Regulation also provides that fighting dogs which were imported to Hong Kong prior to 2000 must be neutered, securely fitted with a muzzle and securely held on a leash by a person when entering or remaining in a public place.

    Animal traders are required to obtain a licence from AFCD under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Animal Traders) Regulations (Cap. 139, Sub. Leg.).  The licence stipulates the animals that can be sold by the animal trader.  There are 302 pet shops in Hong Kong licensed to sell dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and some small mammals such as rabbits and rodents.  AFCD conducts frequent inspection to these shops to ensure that there are no irregularities including the sale of any unauthorised animals.

    In 2002, AFCD carried out 5,459 inspections to pet shops and aquariums.  During the year, 22 prosecutions were made against the illegal possession of endangered species and 12 prosecutions were made against the illegal trading of animals.

    From January to October 2003, AFCD carried out 5,169 inspections to pet shops and aquariums.  During the period, 32 prosecutions were made against the illegal possession of endangered species and five prosecutions were made against the illegal trading of animals.

Ends/Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Issued at HKT 15:42

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