ENG-2012 — Page 212

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Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

improves market services and facilities, and training grants and scholarships for the fishermen and their children. During the year, some 42,809 tonnes of marine fish valued at $2.27 billion were sold through the FMO. The FMO develops fish products at its processing centre to help promote the quality of local products.

Control of Animal Diseases

As Hong Kong's inspection and quarantine authority for animals, the AFCD regulates cross- boundary animal movements to prevent animal diseases from entering the city. The AFCD also assesses the risk of disease in imported animals and animal products on the basis of their species, intended use and the disease status of the place of origin. The AFCD explains Hong Kong's import requirements to overseas veterinary authorities when necessary.

In 2012, some 6,100 permits were issued for animal imports, which included dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, birds, zoo animals and food animals such as pigs and cattle.

Quarantine Detector Dog Programme

The Quarantine Detector Dog Programme was introduced to help combat illegal importation of animals. The dogs are trained to detect live mammals, birds, reptiles and animal products hidden in luggage or under layers of clothing. These dogs are deployed to various boundary control points including Lok Ma Chau, Shenzhen Bay and the Hong Kong International Airport. In 2012, more than 300,000 travellers, 2,100 vehicles and 27,000 parcels were screened.

Animal Management

The AFCD adopts various animal management measures to control animal diseases, regulate the trading of animals, and promote respect and care for animals.

Hong Kong has been rabies-free since the 1980s. In 2012, some 66,000 dogs were licensed and vaccinated against rabies. About 7,900 stray dogs and 3,300 stray cats were brought to the AFCD Animal Management Centres during the year, including some surrendered by their owners. The AFCD runs a re-homing programme for the healthy and well-tempered ones.

All pet shops selling animals must be licensed by the AFCD which inspects these shops regularly to ensure that they do not contravene any of the licence conditions. Pet shops are required to obtain dogs for sale only from approved sources. The AFCD runs a programme for promoting respect and care for animals. It uses a broad range of communication tools to drive home the message. Twenty-six thematic exhibitions, roving exhibitions and carnivals were held during the year to promote responsible pet ownership and rabies prevention.

Animal Welfare

The AFCD collaborates with 12 animal welfare organisations (AWOS) in providing animal re- homing services, covering dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and reptiles. In 2012, the AFCD further strengthened collaboration with, and support to, its partner organisations in the re-homing of animals, including inviting AWOs to join forces with the AFCD in holding 'Animal Adoption Day'

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