A new “Animal Watchers Programme” is to be launched by the police during the second half of this year, according to the Police Public Relations Bureau.
This is an initiative ordered by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who announced it in her latest policy address. Ms Lam also said a requirement that everyone responsible for animals should have a “duty of care” would be introduced.
The Duty Officer at the Bureau said the Animal Watchers Programme will be implemented this year as an extension of the scheme launched in 2011. This is a coordinated effort by government departments and animal welfare organisations to combat cruelty to animals. The unnamed officer said it has a four-pronged approach: education, publicity, intelligence gathering and investigation.
The new programme will aim to deepen cooperation between animal lovers at community level, government departments and animal organisations. Plans for actual implementation will be announced by the police shortly.
The police often act in tandem with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in handling animal cases. Both organisations encourage members of the public who are aware of animals being treated poorly to report to them. In serious, urgent cases you may dial 999. The SPCA’s emergency hotline is 2711 1000. Or you may contact your local police station.
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