Project 1

SUBMISSIONS ON THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS ORDINANCE, CAP 169.

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HKALPO has unreservedly supported the amendment of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, Cap 169 (“Cap 169”), the main source of legislative protection to animals in Hong Kong. The amendments signifies a changing attitude towards animals in Hong Kong. Instead of punishing offenders for acts that have already been committed and with legislation that is reactionary in nature, the focus should be placed on being proactive, protecting animals by imposing a legal responsibility on those who own and are responsible for their welfare.

Our submissions focused on the following key areas which we believe needs to be properly considered in order for Cap 169 to have the teeth it needs to be truly protective of animals:

  1. General amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals Ordinance, Cap 169;

  2. The Introduction of a Duty of Care under Cap 169;

  3. The Issuance of Improvement Notices for Breaches of Duty of Care;

  4. The Introduction of Specific Offences under Cap 169;

  5. The Introduction of Indictable Offences;

  6. Powers of the Court;

  7. Powers of Enforcement;

  8. Other Miscellaneous Matters

We hope that the amendments to Cap 169 will allow Hong Kong to develop further as an advanced jurisdiction that not only treats the welfare of animals with compassion but also denounces animal cruelty through a robust legal system. As the primary source of legislation protecting animals in Hong Kong, Cap 169 needs to be ruthless rather than toothless.

Read our submissions HERE.