Damning report on cruelty to animals issued by Ombudsman

^{The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, announced the results of a direct investigation operation into the Government’s work in combating cruelty to animals Photo: HKGov}

Reports of cruelty to animals result in prosecutions of less than 1 per cent, according to a report by the Office of the Ombudsman. The 16 April report criticised the Agriculture and Fisheries and Conservation Department of “ineffective” handling of animal cruelty cases. Often officials could not legally enter premises where cruelty had been reported.

Key findings and recommendations of the Ombudsman’s report:

• LOW PROSECUTION RATE: Between 2020 and 2025 only 6 of 1633 cases (0.4 per cent) handled by AFCD resulted in prosecution.
• EXPANSION OF POWER: Ombudsman Jack Chan recommended amending the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance to allow officers to enter private premises without the owner’s consent.
• INVESTIGATION IMPROVEMENTS: The AFCD was urged to improve follow-up procedures as many investigations were closed prematurely without verifying the animal’s safety, relying only on views from outside the premises.
• CROSS-DEPARTMENT COOPERATION: Enhanced training for staff and better cooperation between the AFCD, the Police and SPCA were advised.

The AFCD responded by saying it accepted all of the Ombudsman’s recommendations and was implementing measures that would lead to improvement.

The South China Morning Post said in an editorial the current ordinance, dating back to 1935, is outdated and failing to deter abuse of animals. The government is being pressured to accelerate improvements to the law on animal welfare.

SAI KUNG BUZZ comment: This means the Government is letting down the public. Walk the streets and observe the people out with their dogs and sometimes a cat or bird. It is obvious a high percentage of HK people love animals and a majority care for their welfare. Under the law any person convicted of cruelty to an animal can be jailed for three years and fined $200,000. The law is strong already; it is just not being enforced. BUZZ will seek comment from the Police Public Relations Bureau. This is nowhere never good enough. Hats off to Ombudsman Chan for spotlighting the official failure.