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Following is a question by Dr the Hon Tang Siu-tong for Dr the Hon David Chu and an oral reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, in the Legislative Council meeting today (May 12):

Question:

Regarding the smuggling of protected animals into Hong Kong by lawless elements, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the number of detected smuggling cases in the first four months of this year, and whether the number exceeds that for the corresponding period last year;

(b) of the number of pet shops prosecuted by the authorities for illegal sale of protected animals in the past year; and

(c) whether it has plans to launch large-scale education programmes to promote the public's knowledge of the protected animals of endangered species, and advise them not to buy and keep such animals; if so, of the details of such plans?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) Under the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (Cap 187), any person who imports, exports or possesses any scheduled endangered species, except those with exemptions, shall obtain a licence from the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation in advance.

According to the record of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), seven seizures of live endangered animals smuggled into Hong Kong were made in the first four months of this year. The number is lower than that in the same period last year in which 11 seizures were made.

(b) Last year, a total of ten pet shops were prosecuted for and convicted of illegal possession of live endangered animals. Among these shops, three were retail shops selling reptiles, four were retail shops selling birds and the other three were aquariums. The animals involved in these cases included true tortoises, sea turtles, iguana, monitor lizard, pythons and parrots.

(c) AFCD has been organising various educational and publicity activities to strengthen the public's understanding about protection of endangered species and the related legislation. These activities include broadcasting Announcements of Public Interest through television and radio; organising exhibitions, school talks and competitions on drawing, sand sculpture and photography. It is estimated that more than 83,000 people participated in these activities last year. AFCD has also published more than ten types of posters and leaflets for distribution to trade associations and shops and at various locations, including exhibition and competition venues and airline check-in counters.

Moreover, to enhance public awareness of the protection of endangered species, AFCD has set up an Endangered Species Resource Centre. In addition to an array of information about the subject, the Centre has some 500 exhibits of about 100 endangered species, including live animals and plants, as well as products made from these species, such as fur and leather products, and medicines. The Centre is open to groups and individuals. Since its establishment in mid-2001, an average of 7,000 visitors visit the Centre every year. The majority of the exhibits in the Centre were confiscated items in previous enforcement actions. The purpose of displaying these items is to strengthen the public's knowledge about endangered species and the related controls.

Ends/Wednesday, May 12, 2004

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