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A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (September 20) reminded members of the public not to keep poultry without a valid livestock keeping license or they might face prosecution.
AFCD officers found a suspected case of illegal keeping of poultry at Kwu Tung, Sheung Shui today and seized some 5200 live chickens of an unknown source. A man was arrested in the operation. The AFCD will proceed with the prosecution for illegal keeping of livestock according to the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance and Regulations (Cap 139).
AFCD is carrying out an investigation on the source of the seized chickens. They were transported to AFCD's operational centre in Ta Kwu Ling. After taking samples for testing, all the chickens had been humanely put down.
Under the Public Health (Animals and Birds)(Licensing of Livestock Keeping) Regulation of Cap 139, any person who keep livestock without a valid livestock keeping license is liable to a fine of $50,000 to $100,000.
There have been 13 cases of illegal keeping of livestock since 2006.
AFCD will step up inspection of all local chicken farms and continue to work closely with the Customs and the Police to combat illegal smuggling of poultry.
An illegal shipment of live chickens was found on a fishing boat in Hong Kong waters in August, 2007. The offender was sentenced to 6 months' imprisonment after being convicted of smuggling live chickens by the court.
Any information on cases concerning illegal keeping or smuggling of poultry can be reported through the government hotline 1823.
Ends/Thursday, September 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 22:06
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