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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said today (March 14) that its staff had stepped up patrols at the Kam Shan Country Park in response to allegations about cruelty to monkeys and its initial investigations did not establish any act of cruelty.
A department spokesman said there were a total of four public referrals in the past few months that the injuries or disabilities of some monkeys in the country park might be caused by cruelty acts. Inspection and investigations together with an animal welfare group were promptly carried out.
Following a month-long investigation, the department found that 32 of some 1000 wild monkeys in the country park suffered injuries or some forms of disability.
"Injuries in monkeys are usually caused by fighting among clans. Though there was no evidence of human cruelty to the animals, we have stepped up patrols in the area and will take joint action with the Police when necessary," the spokesman said.
"The wounds of the disabled monkeys have healed and don't need special medical attention. We are prepared to follow up on monkeys that are found unable to take care of themselves."
Acts of cruelty to animals should be reported promptly to the police or the department at the Government hotline 1823, the spokesman said.
Under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, Cap.170, anyone hunting or willingly disturbing wild animals is liable to a fine of $100,000 and one year imprisonment on conviction.
Offenders of cruelty to animals are subject to a fine of $200,000 and an imprisonment of three years under the Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, Cap.169.
The spokesman added that wild monkeys were able to find food in the natural environment. People should refrain from feeding them as it would change their habits and induce nuisance to visitors.
There were 42 prosecutions against illegal feeding of wild monkeys last year.
Ends/Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:36
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