ENG-2007 — Page 238

190 Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

February 2007. A total of 53 000 dogs were licensed and vaccinated against rabies during the year. Over 1 300 dogs and 60 cats which bit people were put under observation, but all proved to be rabies-free.

In 2007, about 13 000 dogs and 5 800 cats were found straying in public places, or were surrendered to the AFCD. Of these, 540 dogs and 100 cats were subsequently given new homes.

The AFCD promotes kindness to animals through its continued public education and publicity campaigns. A roving exhibition on proper treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership entitled 'respect life, treat them well' was held from January to June 2007. To step up cooperation between the AFCD and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) on surveillance of cruelty acts and effective collection of information of suspected cases, a joint campaign to combat animal abuse was carried out in January 2007. The AFCD also provided training to SPCA staff on how to assist in daily monitoring of cruel acts against animals, on gathering evidence, conducting decoy operations and at court proceedings against people charged with cruelty to animals.

Websites

Food and Health Bureau: www.fhb.gov.hk

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

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