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The Hong Kong government is considering increasing the maximum animal-cruelty penalty to boost the deterrent effect, which got hails from animal protectors.

Hong Kong's secretary for Health, Welfare and Food York Chow said that the government is studying other countries' animal-cruelty penalties with a view to increasing the maximum animal-cruelty in Hong Kong.

Speaking in reply to a question from a lawmaker in the Legislative Council Wednesday, Chow noted most animal-cruelty cases are due to negligence. Cases of ill treatment of animals with intent are generally uncommon, he added.

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, the maximum penalty for cruelty to animals is currently a 5,000 Hong Kong dollars fine and six months in prison.

"Strengthening enforcement, education and publicity together with deterrent penalty would be an effective way to address the problem," Chow said, adding the government is open to reviewing the ordinance.

The Hong Kong government has also produced a radio announcement in the public interest (API) on the topic of prevention of cruelty to animals, and will produce a series of TV and radio APIs reminding people of the importance of treating their pets well, responsible pet ownership and respect for animals' lives. They will begin broadcasting them this month, Chow said.

Posters and pamphlets on the same topics are in production. They are to be sent to schools, pet shops, veterinary clinics and private buildings.

Chow noted other government departments also play a role in educating the public on treating animals well.

Reports of blatant animal abuse appear regularly in Hong Kong newspapers which caused outrage among animal-lovers. In January, hundreds of people took part in an anti-animal-abuse march. Demonstrators demanded the Hong Kong government and police pay greater attention to widespread cruelty to animals in Hong Kong and pass tougher laws and stiffer penalties on people ill-treating animals.

The Hong Kong Police Public Relations Bureau has an action plan for 2006 to enhance public awareness through TV and radio programs. It aims to highlight the responsibilities of pet ownership and care, and enlist public support in reporting instances of animal cruelty to Police.

The enforcement agencies will deal with the abuse case as soon as possible upon receipt of a report. If there is sufficient evidence showing that the person concerned violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, the offender will be prosecuted.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducts regular village and community campaigns, to educate the public to be responsible towards their pets and ensure they comply with vaccination and licensing requirements. The AFCD website contains educational materials available to the public, and the department takes every opportunity in dog shows or animal-related activities to get its messages across.

According to Chow, the Police and the AFCD will continue to work in close collaboration with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), in tackling these types of offenses.

(Xinhua News Agency February 9, 2006)