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A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (January 5) reminded members of the public not to keep backyard poultry or they would risk prosecution.
During an inspection today, AFCD officers found that 12 live chickens were illegally kept by a woman in a household at Tsat Sing Kong Tsuen, Pat Heung. The chickens were seized and transported to the department's animal management centre in Sheung Shui. After taking samples for testing, all the chickens have been humanely put down.
The woman will be prosecuted under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance.
The spokesman said: "Unauthorised keeping of five kinds of poultry -chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons and quails – is an offence with a maximum fine of $50,000 to $100,000."
To protect public health and reduce the risk of an avian influenza outbreak in Hong Kong, a ban on backyard poultry has been in force since 2006.
"The AFCD will continue to conduct frequent inspections and strictly enforce the ban. Leaflets will also be distributed during the inspections," the spokesman added.
Any information concerning illegal keeping of poultry can be reported through the 1823 Call Centre.
Ends/Monday, January 5, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:02
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