Global News - February 2008

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New Hong Kong rules 'fail to prevent pet cruelty'

Wed 20 February 2008 13:00 UK — Asia,Domestic Animals

Proposed legislation intended to improve animal welfare for pets sold in Hong Kong has been criticised by a number of leading politicians on the island.

The area's authorities proposed measures including the increasing of fines for the illegal sale or abuse of animals, as well as a requirement for pet sellers to obtain animals from legitimate sources.

But the planned legislation has been attacked by local decision makers, who told the Standard newspaper that the proposals did not account for animal welfare groups' concerns.

"I wonder if there is enough emphasis on concerns which are of importance to animal rights groups. I don't see any," medical sector legislator Kwok Ka-Ki told the publication.

Democratic Party lawmaker, Albert Ho Chun-yan, added his concerns: "These so-called hobby breeders, since they can hide from the stringent licensing requirements, will result in the original objectives being missed."

The ongoing discussions on the legislation follow a previous toughening of animal welfare laws in Hong Kong, passed in late 2006, which was criticised by animal welfare groups for failing to introduce a minimum penalty for acts of cruelty.

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