ENG-2008 — Page 236

184 | Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

The AFCD also manages two temporary wholesale markets, in the North District for fresh vegetables, and in Cheung Sha Wan, for live poultry.

The Vegetable Marketing Organisation is a statutory body governed by the Agricultural Products (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides orderly wholesale marketing services for the sale of vegetables. It charges a commission on the vegetables sold, and in return provides trading facilities, transport and pesticide residue testing services to farmers and traders. Any surplus income is channelled back into farming development and scholarships for farmers' children. In 2008, the organisation handled 177 000 tonnes of vegetables valued at $972 million.

The Fish Marketing Organisation is also a statutory body governed by the Marine Fish (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides orderly wholesale marketing services at its seven wholesale markets. Revenue comes from commissions from fish sales and from fees charged for the use of the market facilities. Surplus earnings are channeled back to the fisheries industry by way of providing low-interest loans to fishermen, improving market services and facilities and providing training grants and scholarships for the fishermen and their children. During the year, 51 000 tonnes of marine fish valued at $1.7 billion were sold through the organisation. The organisation continues to develop quality fish products at its processing centre to help promote local products.

Animal Management

Rabies is under effective control in Hong Kong, which has been rabies-free since the 1980s.

In 2008, some 52 000 dogs were licensed and vaccinated against rabies. The AFCD brought into their Animal Management Centres about 12 000 dogs and 5 100 cats during the year. Most were strays but some were surrendered by their owners. New homes were found for about 700 healthy dogs and 180 healthy cats.

All pet shops selling animals must be licensed by the AFCD which inspects these shops regularly to ensure they do not contravene any of the licence conditions laid down to protect public health and safety as well as the safety, health and welfare of the animals.

The AFCD runs a vigorous programme for promoting respect and care for animals. It uses a broad range of communication tools to get the message across. These include posters, radio and television announcements, press releases and exhibitions. The 'Love for Life' carnival was held with great success in March, drawing more than 18 000 spectators, animal lovers and participants to the fair ground.

2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events

As Hong Kong's inspection and quarantine authority for animals, the AFCD was fully engaged in ensuring that the hundreds of horses brought to the city for the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events in August and September were safely housed and protected from health hazards.