Global News - February 2008
< Back to Global News
New Hong Kong rules 'fail to prevent pet cruelty'
Wed 20 February 2008 13:00 UK — Asia,Domestic Animals
Proposed legislation intended to improve animal welfare for pets sold in Hong Kong has been criticised by a number of leading politicians on the island.
The area's authorities proposed measures including the increasing of fines for the illegal sale or abuse of animals, as well as a requirement for pet sellers to obtain animals from legitimate sources.
But the planned legislation has been attacked by local decision makers, who told the Standard newspaper that the proposals did not account for animal welfare groups' concerns.
"I wonder if there is enough emphasis on concerns which are of importance to animal rights groups. I don't see any," medical sector legislator Kwok Ka-Ki told the publication.
Democratic Party lawmaker, Albert Ho Chun-yan, added his concerns: "These so-called hobby breeders, since they can hide from the stringent licensing requirements, will result in the original objectives being missed."
The ongoing discussions on the legislation follow a previous toughening of animal welfare laws in Hong Kong, passed in late 2006, which was criticised by animal welfare groups for failing to introduce a minimum penalty for acts of cruelty.
Help IAR save animals from suffering around the world.
News brought to you by International Animal Rescue, leaders in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
< Back to Global News |
Read IAR News
Read IAR News >
|
November 2008
A win for greyhounds in Massachusetts
On 4 November the people of Massachusetts, USA voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Greyhound Protect Act. This legislation will phase out commercial dog racing in the state by 2010.
October 2008
Help the Street Animals of Morocco (HSAM)
International Animal Rescue has twice assisted with the treatment of cats and dogs in Morocco by a group of local and foreign volunteers. The initiative was led by vet nurse Claire Sedgewick. She has produced a report describing their work.
October 2008
Sainsbury's seal protest update
On 29 October we entered discussions with Sainsbury's officials and now await a favorable response to our demands for a statement of their intention to stop killings seals.
|