Hong Kong Customs and VTC Launch Animal Welfare Initiative and Puppy-Naming Competition to Combat Pet Smuggling

Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition

Hong Kong Customs and the Vocational Training Council (VTC) today (May 16) held a launch ceremony for the Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for a puppy-naming competition at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Kwai Chung). With the theme "Caring for animals, zero tolerance for pet smuggling", the event aimed to promote animal welfare and anti-pet smuggling through public engagement and educational initiatives.

Apart fromcombating various smuggling activities at the forefront, including animal smuggling, Hong Kong Customs also attaches great importance to professional training and public education. The department therefore has partnered with the VTC to launch a one-year co-operation plan in areas of professional exchange and community promotion, with the core philosophy of "entering the campus, reaching the community". The collaboration covers areas including basic canine handling training, pet medical care, and grooming training with the Health and Life Sciences Discipline of the VTC. Customs detector dogs will also work alongside VTC VCare Ambassadors to visit the community to promote anti-smuggling and animal protection messages.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, said that while Customs is committed to combating animal smuggling with determination, the department also places strong emphasis on public education. He hoped that the event would help raise public awareness of animal protection and preventing pet smuggling. He also appeals to the public to report any suspected pet smuggling activities to Hong Kong Customs. The Chairman of the VTC, Mr Jeffrey Lam, welcomed the co-operation plan, noting that it embodies the VTC's dedication to connecting vocational and professional education and training with the community. He looked forward to further collaboration between both parties in the future to benefit students and the community.

Another highlight of the event was the prize presentation ceremony for the puppy-naming competition. Following the birth of the Customs detector dog puppies, "EXCELSIOR", in November last year, Hong Kong Customs organised the naming competition to promote the messages of animal protection and welfare. The naming was based on the letters of "EXCELSIOR", representing the hope that these nine new puppies will pursue excellence in training and law enforcement. The competition received an enthusiastic response with a total of 130 entries from the public.

Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Launch ceremony for Hong Kong Customs and VTC co-operation plan and prize presentation for puppy-naming competition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Person in custody rescued from suicide dies in public hospital today

A 35-year-old male person in custody at Stanley Prison committed suicide on May 15. After being rescued, he was sent to a public hospital for treatment and was certified dead today (May 16).

At 0.26am on May 15, the person in custody committed suicide by hanging with a bedsheet tied to the window grille bars of his cell. Correctional officers immediately provided first-aid treatment to the person in custody and sent him to a public hospital for treatment. After being rescued, he remained unconscious and received in-patient treatment at the public hospital. His condition deteriorated today, and he was certified dead at 7.59pm.

The case has been reported to the Police. A death inquest will be held by the Coroner's Court.

The person in custody was sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of rape in 2025.

Source: AI-found images