(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
2.
to increase the financial penalties prescribed under the
Ordinance;
to tighten up the in transit provisions to reduce the
likelihood of abuses;
to penalize persons who give false or misleading
information in respect of endangered species; and
to extend the existing powers of search and forfeiture in
respect of endangered species.
Clause 2 amends section 2 of the Ordinance to provide for
The proposed extension of the Ordinance
new and amended definitions.
to control the import, export or possession of any substances
containing highly endangered species, such as rhinoceros ingredients,
has meant the introduction of new definitions, such as "controlled
medicine", "medicine" and "advertisement". For instance, a
"controlled medicine" is one that contains, or is claimed to contain,
any part or derivative of any endangered animal specified in the new
Fifth Schedule. The new Fifth Schedule is presently confined to
rhinoceroses but descriptions of other highly endangered species can
be added as and when required.
3.
Clause 3 adds a new section 2A to the Ordinance and is an
extension of the present provision in section 2(2) which is repealed.
New section 2A (in conjunction with the definition of "relevant
authority") tightens up the in transit provisions which relate to
endangered species that are claimed to be only "passing through" Hong
Kong. The new section attempts to ensure that such species are
This
genuinely in transit and, if so, are properly safeguarded.
applies especially in the case of live animals.