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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (March 11) urged people to give adequate care to their pets and not abandon them.
Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Kenny Ho said two sets of television and radio Announcements in the Public Interest had been recently produced and broadcast for this purpose.
"The series aims at promoting responsible pet ownership and advising the public against ill treatment of their pets due to negligence," Dr Ho said.
"One must respect the life of animal and think thoroughly whether proper care can be provided to a pet before keeping it."
People should call the police or the department through the Government hotline 1823 if they see any act of animal cruelty.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, the maximum penalty for cruelty to animals is a fine of $5,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Dr Ho said a pet was for life and abandoning an animal was a cruel act.
Ends/Saturday, March 11, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:30
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