Dreadful low prosecution rate of animal cruelty cases: AFCD responds to BUZZ

^{Animals used for testing is still going on in Hong Kong laboratories}

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has responded to a SAI KUNG BUZZ request for comment over its appallingly low rate  of prosecution of animal cruelty cases. Between 2020 and 2025 only 6 of 1633 reports of cruelty to animals (0.4 per cent) handled by AFCD resulted in prosecution, according to Ombudsman Jack Chan.

In its message to BUZZ AFCD said:

“The Government has always attached great importance to animal welfare and deters acts of cruelty to animals through stringent enforcement and preventive education initiatives. The AFCD will actively follow up on the recommendations made by the Office of the Ombudsman regarding our work on combating animal cruelty.

“The Government has been conducting research on the amendment of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169) and will strive to provide a concrete update within this year.
To further combat cruelty to animals, the AFCD will continue to enhance staff training and strengthen the monitoring of case follow-up procedures.

Furthermore, we will continue to promote public education and publicity to raise public awareness of animal welfare.”

BUZZ also asked the police for comment (they handle reports of animal cruelty jointly with the SPCA) and received an acknowledgement but no reply. We put the same request to the Chief Executive’s Office which dodged the issue diverting our message to the AFCD.

BUZZ COMMENT: Lack of government action enforcing existing law means that evil perverted individuals can torture or abuse animals with impunity. Bureaucratic promises like those above are only that, just promises. If anyone knows of a case of cruelty to an animal do  report it to the SPCA (a reliable actor) the police and the media. When I was on the committee of the SPCA I attended a meeting with the Director of the AFCD. She said, “If it is in the press the government will act.”