8.
CITES
IVORY
Hong Kong has shown itself fully committed to CITES agreement. Has fully implemented the ban on trade in ivory.
RHINO HORN
WHAT IS HMG DOING TO FULFIL ITS UNDERTAKING TO THE CITES STANDING COMMITTEE TO PURSUE WITH HONG KONG THE CONCERN ABOUT ILLEGAL MOVEMENT OF RHINO HORN ACROSS ITS BORDERS?
We are in close touch with the Hong Kong Government on this matter and will report to the CITES Standing Committee as soon as possible.
WHAT CONCRETE STEPS HAS HONG KONG TAKEN TO ENSURE THE ENFORCEMENT OF CITES BAN ON TRADE IN RHINO HORN?
Hong Kong has strict legislation governing the implementation of CITES and is fully committed to rigorous enforcement of its provisions.
Acting on information from the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and other sources, The Agriculture and Fisheries Department of the Hong Kong Government raided 29 medicine shops. Suspected rhino products were seized. Raids will continue until all pharmacies identified by EIA as having rhino products available have been searched.
As a result of a recent review, the Hong Kong Government has decided to establish an Endangered Species Protection Liaison Group with responsibility for information gathering, planning and co-ordination of enforcement operations and co-ordinating liaison with national and international agencies including NGOS.
WHAT IS HMG DOING TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS THAT PUPPIES ARE BEING EXPORTED FROM THE UK TO HONG KONG IN INHUMANE CONDITIONS?
The welfare of puppies during an export journey is protected by the Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1992. The law also requires the transport of animals by air to be carried out in compliance with IATA Live Animals Regulations.
WHAT IS THE HMG DOING TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS THAT PUPPIES ARE MISTREATED WHEN THEY REACH HONG KONG?
Animal welfare in Hong Kong is a matter for the Hong Kong Government. There are strict welfare and health regulations governing the import of puppies into Hong Kong. All pet shops in Hong Kong are licensed and the Agriculture and
supp.3.12.8B.JRB
15
Page 60Page 61