Animal Welfare and Stray Animals

Animal Welfare

The keeper is responsible for the welfare of all animals in their care. It is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance Cap.169 to treat animals cruelly and cause unnecessary pain or suffering to them.

The Animal Welfare Advisory Group was appointed on 25 April 1997. The Group advises the Director of Agriculture on matters concerning animal welfare. Advice includes the promotion of community awareness of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. The Group consists of a Chairman, an ex-officio member and 9 members of the public, who are drawn from various animal welfare organizations, kennel clubs and other animal related business. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department provides secretarial and administrative support to the Group. The tentative work programme includes topics such as:

• regular update on relevant animal laws;

• education and media programmes to promote responsible pet ownership;

• the regulation and control of commercial dog breeding;

• the control of stray cattle;

• the keeping of exotic animals as pets and

• animal experimentation;

• welfare issues on performing animals.

The Group is scheduled to meet 4 times a year and the meetings are open to the public.