HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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allowed into food premises. At present, our laws control the slaughtering of dogs. Bringing dogs into the kitchen may spark misunderstandings for slaughtering and indeed slaughtering is prohibited. The case will be reversed if this law is amended to be in line with Chinese laws. At present, taking a dog through the front and back doors into food premises is prohibited. As for dish washing, there are stipulations in the codes of practice. The codes require sterilization boxes for placing cleaned dishes. The sterilization procedure safeguards public health. Even if dish washing is done by hand, the Department of Health stipulates the use of permitted germ killers mixed in detergents for the washing process. Instructions of the Department of Health are to be followed in the use of germ killers during the process of cleaning and sterilization. If food premises licensees follow instructions closely, the health of the public should be adequately safeguarded.
With regard to stickers, there is presently no law requiring food premises licensees to display 'dogs not allowed' stickers. If members feel we should legislate in this direction, the issue may be discussed at meetings of the Committee. However, licensees are generally very cooperative. For their business, they will advise people not to take dogs inside and ask those who have already taken them in to take them away. When processing applications for licenses, the Department distributes relevant leaflets to applicants or owners for their information. Health Inspectors inspect food premises every two to eight weeks, bringing along stickers for licensees to display at conspicuous places. Similar to 'no smoking' stickers, these stickers bear the print of a dog and a slanting stroke to indicate dogs are not allowed. I think these are workable.
MR. STEPHEN HUNG CHUNG-FUN (in Cantonese): Last week, I had lunch in the presence of a dog at a lavishly furnished food premises. I therefore do not agree with Mr. CHAN that the problem is rather infrequent. On the contrary, it is a common problem. However, I also note that citizens know very little about their rights in this respect. This is my first question and I wonder if you agree.
The second question, when a citizen intends to report a case observed outside office hours, for example, before 9 am and after 5 pm on weekdays, Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays, is there assurance that Health Inspectors of the Urban Services Department may be reached during those hours?
Thirdly, forgive me for my ignorance. I just want to find out about the definition of pets such as dogs and cats referred to just now. For example, is a bird a pet, or what should popular animals like mice, lizards and chinchillas be grouped under? I hope to have answers to the above questions.
MR. JOSEPH CHAN YEUK-SUT (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. HUNG for his questions. Mr. HUNG had lunch with a dog at a high-class restaurant. May I say he was violating the law knowingly. He should not have had lunch with that dog. He should have taken the dog away instantly or
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