The Hong Kong government is proposing tougher penalties for animal cruelty and introducing a duty of care on people responsible for animals.
Authorities are also considering making it mandatory for all cats sold by animal traders to be microchipped.
In a written reply issued on Wednesday to a question from lawmaker Elizabeth Quat in the Legislative Council, Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan said the government will put forward a plan to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance to further safeguard animal welfare.
“Proposed amendments include introducing a positive ‘duty of care’ on persons responsible for animals to provide for their welfare needs; enhancing the provisions for prevention of animal cruelty, including the increase in the penalties and the introduction of an indictable offence; and enhancing enforcement powers to prevent animal cruelty and protect animals from suffering (including physical and mental suffering),” said Chan.
Chan said the government is also proposing to amend the ordinance to specify that the release of an animal leading to unnecessary suffering of that animal is an act of cruelty and suggesting an increase in the penalties concerned.
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