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Two bird shops found keeping birds without valid health certificates would face prosecution for breaching the newly-implemented licensing conditions, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (July 16).
Under the new licensing conditions effective on July 4 this year, all birds for sale should be from approved sources. If they are imported into Hong Kong, they should be accompanied by valid health certificates. If acquired from other licenced animal traders, the consignment should also be covered by proper documentation.
The department staff found in an inspection on July 11 that a licensed pet bird shop at Shek Yam Road, Kwai Chung kept 44 White-eye birds without proper records supported by valid health certificates.
The following day, a licensed trader at Bird Garden in Mong Kok failed to produce valid health certificates for 19 White-eye birds being kept in his premises.
The birds in both cases were seized and sent to the department's animal management centre in Sheung Shui.
A department spokesman said all pet bird traders, whether inside and outside the Bird Garden, were required to strictly comply with the licensing conditions.
"In the event of a serious breaching of the licensing conditions, the trader might also have his licence revoked," he said.
Ends/Monday, July 16, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:20
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