Govt Moots Law To Make Drivers Report Animal Hits

The government says it is planning to amend road traffic laws to require drivers to report to the police if they hit an animal on the road.

Animal welfare in Hong Kong is under the spotlight after a series of animal cruelty deaths, with activists pointing out that laws on this are outdated. They say Hong Kong still relies on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance that was passed in 1935, while laws in Macau and Taiwan are much more up-to-date.

Under current Hong Kong law, knocking down a dog or a cat is not seen as a punishable act.

Accidents involving feral cows on Lantau and in other parts of the New Territories have also made news headlines recently.

Speaking at a Legco meeting, Health Secretary Sophia Chan said the authorities will review the relevant laws and then brief legislators on planned amendments over hit and run incidents involving animals.

Chan said officials will also look into the liability of animal keepers if they fail to discharge their responsibilities.