SPCA has come up with a detailed response regarding the formulation of an animal-friendly policy presented during the Legislative Council meeting at the beginning of this month (Nov. 2010). Please click on the following link: SPCA comment
PPPC notes and response is as follows:
- We favor AFCD to pursue an Open Adoption policy to the public.
- TNR (more in favor of Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return) for both stray dogs and cats should be more active and part of the governmental responsibility to control the population of stray animals in Hong Kong. Additionally, more strict rules and monitoring of dogs at construction sites must be carried forward.
(b) SPCA and the HK police force should collaborate and work together to eradicate unlawful animal cruelty and abandonment. SPCA team has more the knowledge in the correct handling and treatment of animals, yet unable to gain access to certain areas. Therefore they should either be allowed entry without permission from the police or establish a more concrete guideline tying the two teams together.
The HK police usually acts too late in most cases and therefore needs to upgrade and improve the system to prevent such unlawful acts prior to it happening. Constant monitoring and investigation of such areas, syndicates and individuals prior to acts of cruelty or abandonment should be implemented.
(d) The Hong Kong government needs to improve and enforce a more stricter rule and regulation for microchipping. Especially pet shops, breeders and such organizations (which too be honest, should actually be eradicated).
(e) We oppose SPCA's comment regarding animal rights organizations to inspect animal management centers. Some organizations, especially those run by individuals without prior knowledge or experience in the field of shelter management and their lack of funding, needs to be supported by the government or at least given a set of shelter rules, regulations and/or guidelines. Inspections of such organizations by professionals need to be conducted to maintain good management and well-being of the animals being sheltered.
(h) PPPC is way in favor of more pet parks! We strongly agree to SPCA's take on this and hope to have an integrated green park allowing both humans and dogs to enter. However, enforcement and a park ranger must be on site at all times to regulate and maintain hygiene i.e. make sure that the poo is disposed off properly. Poo bags, water tanks and dustbins must be readily available. A large area where dogs can be off leash must be fenced all around to prevent dogs from escaping and to have ease of control/management between humans and dogs.
(k) Allowing pets in schools and hospitals can be educational and therapeutic for many and should be a consideration to allow this to occur.
