​The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will launch one-month special operations starting tomorrow (October 1) to step up patrols and enforcement at various blackspots for illegal feeding of wild animals, including Kam Shan Country Park and Lion Rock Country Park, with a focus on combating the illegal feeding of wild animals such as monkeys and wild pigs.

     A spokesman for the AFCD said, "Feeding wild animals causes them to rely on human feeding, weakens their ability to forage for food independently, and may lead to the congregation of wild animals, causing a nuisance to members of the public and affecting public safety. It also has adverse impacts on wild animals and the natural ecology. After frequent contact with humans, wild animals such as monkeys and wild pigs may lose their natural fear of humans, and may even become aggressive, actively snatching plastic bags or food held by members of the public, which may result in injury cases. Food residues left by feeders and animal faeces also soil public places and give rise to public hygiene problems."

     The newly amended Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170), which came into effect on August 1, 2024, introduced a fixed penalty of $5,000, and increased the maximum penalty for the illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year to enhance the overall deterrent effect. As at August 31, 2026, the AFCD has issued 86 and 59 fixed penalty notices in respect of illegal feeding of monkeys and wild pigs respectively. There were 12 successful summons prosecutions, with the highest fine imposed at $10,500.

     The AFCD has installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems equipped with AI technology at the car parks in Kam Shan Country Park to effectively identify illegal feeding activities, thereby assisting the department in deploying enforcement operations. From the commencement of the trials of the AI-enabled CCTV systems in early 2024 to August 31, 2026, there were 13 successful prosecution cases, with two other cases still under investigation.

     In addition, the AFCD will continue to strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders to carry out diverse publicity and education activities, including a series of campaigns themed "All for No Feeding", to raise public awareness of the negative impacts of feeding wild animals and feral pigeons, as well as the feeding ban and associated penalties. Meanwhile, to step up publicity targeted at visitors to Hong Kong, during the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland, the AFCD will display promotional materials of "All for No Feeding" at MTR, cross-boundary coaches and boundary control points, and distribute leaflets at boundary control points to remind the public and visitors not to feed wild animals or feral pigeons.

     The public may report any suspected illegal feeding activities by calling 1823.

Ends/Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:27

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