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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) raided an illegal animal breeding facility at Shan Pui Tsuen, Yuen Long, yesterday (March 24). Forty-eight bitches and 36 puppies were found at the scene. They are generally in good health.
A man was detained for enquiries in the operation. The investigation is on-going.
Under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Animal Traders) Regulations (Cap 139B), all animal traders, including animal breeding facilities and pet shops, must hold an animal trader licence issued by AFCD and strictly observe relevant licensing conditions and the Codes of Practice. Any person who has been found guilty of illegal trading of animals is liable to a maximum fine of $2,000.
AFCD introduced additional conditions for an animal trader licence in February last year with a view to tightening control on the sources of dogs offered for sale. All pet shops are required to keep all documents detailing the sources of dogs acquired and make them available for inspection by staff of AFCD.
During record check at a pet shop, AFCD staff found that the man, who did not hold an animal trader licence, offered two litters of puppies produced by the same bitch for sale in the same month. This raised the suspicions of AFCD staff who subsequently conducted a thorough investigation.
"We will continue to take stringent enforcement action against illegal animal trading activities to safeguard public health and animal welfare," an AFCD spokesman said.
"People should report such illegal activities through the 1823 Call Centre," he added.
Ends/Friday, March 25, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:30
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