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A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (February 21) said two public consultation sessions will be held on the proposed codes of practice for dog traders and dog breeders. Members of the public are invited to express their views.
A public consultation on the proposed amendment to the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Animal Traders) Regulations (Cap. 139B) to better regulate pet trading was conducted from October 3 to November 30, 2012. Over 2 700 written submissions were received during the consultation period. The majority of the written submissions support the amendment to the Regulations, holding that the licensing of persons who breed and sell dogs is necessary.
In line with the proposed amendment to the Regulations, the AFCD is revising and drafting codes of practice for holders of animal trader licences who are involved in selling dogs or breeding dogs for sale. Each code will stipulate a set of standards and requirements including the requirements for premises for keeping the dogs, proper management and care of the dogs, proper conduct of dog breeding activities and responsibilities of traders and breeders, as well as keeping of proper operational records, with a view to better regulating pet trading while safeguarding animal health and welfare.
Details of the public consultation sessions conducted in both Cantonese and English are as follows.
Date : February 27 (Wednesday)
Time : 6pm to 8pm
Venue: Room 907, 9/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon
Date : March 6 (Wednesday)
Time : 6pm to 8pm
Venue: Room 907, 9/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon
"Members of the public and stakeholders are welcome to attend and express their views. The Government will take into account the views received when devising the codes of practice," the spokesman said.
Members of the public may call 2150 7077 during office hours for seat reservation. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For details of the public consultation sessions, please visit www.afcd.gov.hk. For enquiries, please call 1823 or email Cap139B_amendment@afcd.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, February 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:53
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