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The Government notes and welcomes the release of the report on the stray dog incident on East Rail Line tracks on August 20, 2014, by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) today (December 11). The report gives an account of the incident, investigation results and the MTRCL's proposed improvement measures in consultation with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and animal welfare organisations.
The Government notes that the report mainly recommends three improvement measures, namely strengthening the boundary fencing along the railway line to prevent intrusion into the track area by dogs; enhancing training for front-line staff in handling intrusion by stray dogs into the track area; and adopting a more prudent approach when a dog is reported or confirmed to be found in the track area. Depending on the actual situation, train services of the affected section may operate at lowered speed or stop totally to facilitate appropriate follow-up actions. The MTRCL will also request the AFCD and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to provide assistance if necessary.
A government spokesman said, "We note that the MTRCL has introduced improvement measures and staff training which are believed to be conducive to better handling of similar situations in future. We hope that the MTRCL will give due consideration to the safety of animals intruding into the track area while maintaining a safe and reliable train service."
Ends/Thursday, December 11, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:10
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