AFCD steps up patrols and enforcement operations against illegal feeding activities
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A spokesman for the AFCD said, "Human feeding of monkeys and other wild animals causes their populations to grow excessively, resulting in ecological imbalance and potentially increasing the risk of disease transmission. Human feeding also alters the natural behaviour of wild animals. Through frequent contact with humans, some monkeys have lost their natural fear of humans and may become aggressive, proactively snatching plastic bags or food from people and causing injury. In addition, some animals are attracted by the food and congregate near residential areas, causing various nuisance problems. The food remnants left by feeders and animal droppings also foul public places and pose public health problems."
The newly amended Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) came into effect on August 1, 2024. The maximum penalty for illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons has been increased to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year, and a fixed penalty of $5,000 has been introduced.
From August 1, 2024 to August 4, 2026, the AFCD issued a total of 81 fixed penalty notices for illegal feeding of monkeys. Separately, 12 cases were prosecuted by summons, 10 of which resulted in convictions, with fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,500, while the remaining two cases are awaiting trial. About 40 per cent of the aforementioned fixed penalty and summons cases involved drivers, passengers or individuals illegally feeding monkeys near their vehicles.
The AFCD has installed AI CCTV systems at two car parks in Kam Shan Country Park. These systems can effectively identify illegal feeding activities, thereby assisting the AFCD in arranging enforcement actions. From the trial operation of the AI CCTV systems from early 2024 to August 4, 2026, there have been 13 successful prosecution cases, with two other cases still under investigation.
Furthermore, the AFCD will continue to strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders to carry out diverse publicity and education activities, disseminating the latest information to the public of different age groups, including details about the feeding ban and associated penalties, as well as the negative impacts of feeding wild animals and feral pigeons. The AFCD has launched a series of campaigns themed "All for No Feeding", including advertising and short video broadcasts on various platforms, sharing educational information via social media, setting up educational booths, displaying banners at feeding blackspots, and sending staff to schools, elderly centres and housing estates to organise talks and workshops.
The public may report any suspected illegal feeding activities by calling 1823.
Ends/Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:48
Issued at HKT 18:48
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