Animal-lovers March For Harsher Abuse Penalties

Pet-lovers have marched from Chater Garden in Central to the government headquarters in Admiralty to seek strong penalties for people who abuse animals.

Many of the marchers brought their pets along, with birds and dogs among the protest. Some held signs calling for 10-year jail sentences for people who mistreat animals.

Organisers said about 6,000 people took part. Police said more than 1,000 were there.

The protest comes as the government stages a three-month consultation on what would be the biggest shake-up of animal welfare laws in decades.

As well as proposing a maximum jail sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to HK$2 million, the administration wants to give officials the right to enter premises and seize abused animals.

It will also introduce the concept of a duty of care for animals. The consultation will run until July.

The existing maximum penalties for animal cruelty offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance are three years imprisonment or a fine of HK$200,000.