Government Readies Animal Welfare Consultation

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2019-04-25 HKT 22:29

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  It will be the biggest shake-up of animal welfare laws in almost a century. Image: Shutterstock

The government is planning the biggest shake-up of animal welfare laws in almost a century. The changes would, for the first time, introduce the concept of owners having a duty of care for their animals.

A public consultation starts on Friday.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has already been holding discussions about raising the maximum penalty for animal cruelty. Duty of care is likely to cover animals having enough space and making sure they are properly protected against disease.

But Council Front lawmaker Claudia Mo says the administration needs to move faster.

"Our primary concern is that it is going to take, apparently, a long, long time," she said. "They told us they are aiming at 2021 and the amendments they are about to add in include this duty of care for owners, or carers, of all animals. That's a good thing, except stray dogs and cats wouldn't be included and their welfare won't change that much."