Man convicted of illegal possession of hunting appliance and parts of Protected Wild Animals
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A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that the department was informed by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in February that a cage trap was found on a hillside at Shek Lei Hang Village, Kwai Chung. In a search operation on February 19, a number of hunting appliances and 28 pieces of frozen meat suspected to be from wild animals were seized at a fenced-off area near the hillside and from a refrigerator placed outdoor respectively.
The AFCD later confirmed some of the frozen meat was from wild monkey, Chinese porcupine and wild pig while the identity of other animal parts could not be verified. Wild monkey and Chinese porcupine are Protected Wild Animals listed under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance.
A man, who had been found related to one of the seized hunting appliances and frozen meat, was prosecuted for illegal possession of hunting appliance and illegal possession of parts of Protected Wild Animals.
An AFCD spokesman said that no person shall, except in accordance with a special permit, possess any hunting appliance, and hunt or wilfully disturb, sell or export, possess or control any Protected Wild Animal. Otherwise they will be in breach of the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance and be liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year.
The AFCD spares no effort in combating illegal hunting of wild animals, and conducts frequent patrols in countryside areas. Members of the public are urged to make a report to 1823 if suspected illegal hunting activities or animal traps are found.
Ends/Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Issued at HKT 21:13
Issued at HKT 21:13
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