Members of the HKALPO are committed to using their knowledge, skills and expertise to make meaningful contributions to matters of Hong Kong legal policy or where legal issues impact upon the welfare of animals. The below are only some of the current projects that the HKALPO is currently working on.
Project 1
In July 2020, HKALPO submitted to the Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health and the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, a written submission on the Amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, Cap 169. Along with the initial proposals which included the introduction of a positive duty of care, HKALPO advocated for enhanced provisions for cruelty and enforcement powers as well as other important areas relating to animal welfare in Hong Kong, with the hope they too will be considered and included in any legislative amendment.
In 2019, the Hong Kong Government launched a three month public consultation on the proposals for enhancing animal welfare through the amendment of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, Cap 169. The proposals include: -
(i) the introduction of a positive duty of care;
(ii) to enhance the provisions for prevention of cruelty; and
(iii) to enhance enforcement powers for safeguarding animal welfare.
HKALPO fully supports the proposed amendments and will make further written and oral submissions to the Hong Kong Government to ensure the health and welfare domestic animals are properly protected.
Project 2
The current Animal (Control of Experiments) Ordinance, Cap 340, was enacted to provide for the control of experiments on living vertebrate animals. However, it is completely out of date and does not properly provide sufficient protections to laboratory animals.
HKALPO would like enhancement and strengthening of this Ordinance, through the widening of the definition of “experiment”, increase of stringency required before a licence or permit is granted and better controls imposed on those performing experiments.
PROJECT 3
A private Bill introduced by Legislative Councillor Elizabeth Quat Pui Fan - the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance Bill, seeks to amend the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance, Cap 455, to include wildlife crimes as defined in the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, Cap 586, so as to arm investigative authorities with increased investigative powers, as well as the power to both confiscate and issue charging order over property representing the benefits of wildlife crimes.
HKALPO wholeheartedly supports the provisions contained within the Bill, to include illegal import, possession, re-export and export of CITES listed species into Schedule I of OSCO, to demonstrate Hong Kong’s commitment to combatting wildlife crime, both locally and internationally.
PROJECT 4
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (“HKZBG”) is the oldest public park in Hong Kong and located in Mid-Levels of Hong Kong Island.
Despite its relatively modest size, it is home to a large number of plants and animals, including orangutans and other large primates who live in confined enclosures which make them more susceptible to both psychological and physiological distresses.
HKALPO will be conducting an in-depth examination into the current set up of HKZBG, the inherent limitations and inadequacies of the park in zoo management, wildlife enclosures and ultimately look to pursue legal avenues to ensure the welfare of the animals, particularly the larger primates.
