ENG-2006 — Page 237

Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries 193

Veterinary Services and Animal Management

The European Union acknowledges Hong Kong as a rabies-free territory, and since 2004 has allowed non-commercial pet animals, with health certificates, to enter the European Union. As a result, the number of cats and dogs entering the European Union has continued to grow.

In 2006, about 12 500 dogs and 6 000 cats were found abandoned, on the loose or were surrendered to the AFCD. Of these, 700 dogs and 130 cats were subsequently given new homes. A total of 58 000 dogs were licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Over 1 300 dogs and 60 cats which bit people were put under observation, but all proved to be rabies-free. In April 2006, the AFCD introduced a rule requiring all dogs for sale to be implanted with microchips so that a record can be kept of them to ensure that they have been vaccinated against common infectious diseases. In December 2006, the Government took tougher action under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance to punish people cruel to animals. It introduced a new law permitting the courts to slap fines of up to $ 200,000 on offenders and to jail them for up to three years.

Home Pages

Health, Welfare and Food Bureau: www.hwfb.gov.hk

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department: www.fehd.gov.hk

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department: www.afcd.gov.hk