2023/02/14
Skip to content

Press Releases

AFCD prepares to prosecute shop suspected of selling cat flesh
Tuesday, February 14, 2023

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (February 14) announced that suspected dog or cat flesh seized from a shop in Yau Ma Tei earlier was found to contain cat's deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

The AFCD conducted a joint enforcement operation with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today. "Based on the testing results, the AFCD is investigating the case on various fronts in accordance with the Dogs and Cats Regulations (Cap. 167A) and collecting evidence required for instituting prosecution." an AFCD spokesman said.

FEHD staff also collected evidence in a joint operation earlier and would take out prosecution against the person who stored and were in possession of chilled or frozen meat for sale without permission according to section 30 of the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X).

The spokesman continued, "It is in breach of law to sell, eat or possess dog or cat flesh. The AFCD will certainly take stringent enforcement action. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $5,000 and six months' imprisonment."

The AFCD will not tolerate having dog or cat flesh for consumption and will follow up seriously. To curb such acts, the AFCD will step up surveillance, including online surveillance, inspection and operation. The Department will maintain close liaison with other Government departments, and exchange information. The AFCD and FEHD will act according to the circumstances and mount joint operations when necessary. Through strengthening inspections of suspicious inbound vehicles and taking meat for tests, the AFCD, FEHD and Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department closely collaborate and take joint operation whenever necessary. The AFCD will also strengthen public education through different channels. 

The Dogs and Cats Regulations stipulates that no person shall slaughter any dog or cat for use as food whether for mankind or otherwise, and no person shall sell or use or permit the sale or use of the flesh of dogs and cats for food. Please call 1823 to report any suspected irregularity.

Ends