XN000022-1996-05-29 — Page 37

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Abandoned buffaloes under proper control

Following is a question by the Hon Choy Kan-pui and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Leo Kwan, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

whether it knows of the total number of abandoned buffaloes currently in the territory;

of the total number of complaints about abandoned buffaloes causing nuisance to residents received by the Government in the past three years; and

how it will deal with the abandoned buffaloes?

Reply:

End

(a)

(b)

(c)

It is estimated that there are about 200 buffaloes in Hong Kong, the great majority of which live on swampy private land in Kam Tin and have known owners. The Agriculture and Fisheries Department and the District Office have made arrangements with the owners for them to keep proper control of the animals and for the animals' disposal if they are no longer required. These arrangements ensure that the number of abandoned buffaloes is kept to the minimum.

In the past 3 years, a total of 4 complaints about abandoned buffaloes causing nuisance to residents were received by the Government.

An abandoned buffalo causing nuisance to residents will be impounded in the Government Kennels. If no one reclaims ownership of the buffalo within three days after impounding, the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries will publish a notice in the Gazette stating his intention to sell the animal. The buffalo will then be auctioned for slaughter on condition that no one has reclaimed ownership of the animal within one week from publication of the notice.