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Any person who contravenes the Regulation is liable to a fine of HK $ 1,000 (approximately £83) and to imprisonment for six months. The actual fine, of course, depends on the judgement of the magistrate.
Cruelty to animals is prohibited in Hong Kong under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (CAP 169). Any person who inflicts or permits cruelty to animals is liable on summary conviction to a fine of HK $1,000 and to imprisonment for six months. The Hong Kong Government take a serious view of cruelty and whenever any evidence is available, prosecution is instituted in every case.
The Hong Kong Government do not deny the existence of an illegal trade in dogs but they do try to eliminate it by prosecution. They carry out regular inspections of thousands of restaurant premises and prosecute whenever the eating of dog meat and/or cruelty to animals is detected. It is publicly known that the eating of dog flesh is illegal but, as it is a traditional Chinese custom, it is seldom reported to the authorities by the Chinese, who form the vast majority of the population.
The question of cruelty to animals in the United Kingdom is of course a matter for the Home Office rather than for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
I hope this information will help you to reassure Mrs Galloway that the Hong Kong Government is aware of the problem and is trying to eliminate it.
I am returning Mrs Galloway's letter.
Yours sincerely,
Toroney.
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