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.