TNAG-0470-FCO40-535-Legislation-for-protection-of-wild-life-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 115

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The Hong Kong Government do not deny the existence of an illegal trade in dogs but they do try to eliminate it by prosecution. They carry out regular inspections of thousands of restaurant premises and prosecute whenever the eating of dog meat and/or cruelty to animals is detected. It is publicly known that the eating of dog flesh is illegal but, as it is a traditional Chinese custom, it is seldom reported to the authorities by the Chinese, who form the vast majority of the population.

I hope this information will help to reassure you that the Hong Kong Government is aware of the problem and is trying to eliminate it.

I am returning the cutting enclosed with your letter.

A L Wotton

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department