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Livestock keepers reminded to apply for licence
Livestock farmers in San Tin Area, Lau Fau Shan Environs and other areas in the territory are reminded that the deadline to apply for a livestock keeping licence from the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) is December 31, 1996.
Issuing the reminder today (Monday), an AFD agricultural officer, Mr Mak Kwok-sun, said other areas affected under Phase III of the Livestock Keeping Licensing Scheme included Tin Shui Wai Environs, Mau Wu Tsai Village and Environs, Sai Kung Area, Junk Bay Environs, Outlying Islands, Long Harbour Area and Starling Inlet Area.
Mr Mak pointed out the main objective of the scheme, launched in July 1994, was to ensure the installation and operation of acceptable livestock waste treatment systems to reduce pollution to the environment, especially rivers and streams.
The scheme also provides the basic framework to facilitate development of the livestock industries within the overall development strategy of the territory, he said.
Mr Mak was pleased to note that the response to Phase I and II of the scheme had been encouraging, with 760 applications received so far.
Turning to the livestock keeping licence, he stressed that it would be valid for three years. The current licence fees range from $750 to $4,500 and are based on the holding capacity and the roofed over area of the farm.
Under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Licensing of Livestock Keeping) Regulations, any person keeping livestock in the Livestock Waste Control Areas or in the Livestock Waste Restriction Areas must obtain a licence from AFD within the time set in the licensing schedule. Livestock include pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons and quails.
Any person found keeping livestock without a licence could be fined up to $50,000 on conviction for first offence and $100,000 for subsequent offences. A daily fine may also be imposed for the offence period.
Application forms are now obtainable in person or by mail from AFD's Farm Licensing Unit at Castle Peak Poultry Breeding Centre, Kei Lun Wai, Tuen Mun.