2023/04/06
Skip to content

Press Releases

Man imprisoned for using cat flesh for food
Thursday, April 6, 2023

A man was prosecuted for breaching the Dogs and Cats Regulations (Cap. 167A) by using or permitting the use of the flesh of cat for food. He was convicted at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts earlier and imprisoned today (April 6).

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted a joint blitz operation with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department earlier. Suspected dog or cat flesh was seized at a shop in Yau Ma Tei for further investigation and testing results showed that it contained cat flesh. Prosecution was instituted against a man. He was convicted at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts earlier and was sentenced to 10 weeks' imprisonment today.

An AFCD spokesman said, "The AFCD welcomes the court's judgment. Imprisonment has significant deterrent effect and reflects the gravity of the offence. The authorities do not tolerate using flesh of cat or dog as food and shall duly follow up any suspected illegality. It is an offence to eat, sell or possess dog or cat flesh for food. The AFCD will certainly take stringent enforcement action should such incidents be discovered."

According to the Regulations, any person eating, selling or possessing dog or cat flesh for food is liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $5,000 and six months' imprisonment.

The spokesman pointed out that the AFCD will continue to step up surveillance, including online surveillance, inspection and enforcement with a view to curbing such illegal acts. The department will maintain close liaison and exchange information with other government departments. The AFCD will also strengthen public education through different channels.

Members of the public should call 1823 to report any suspected irregularity.

Ends