FEHD Briefs Insurers on New Policies for Dogs in Food Premises

FEHD briefs insurance industry on arrangements for allowing dogs to enter permitted food premises

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 29) held a briefing session with the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (HKFI) to introduce the policies and relevant arrangements for allowing dogs to enter permitted food premises to representatives of insurance companies.

A spokesman for the FEHD said, "To enable the insurance industry to gain a comprehensive understanding of the arrangements for allowing dogs to enter permitted food premises, the FEHD, together with the HKFI, held a briefing session today. The session covered relevant policies, legislative requirements, licensing conditions, the Guidelines on Good Practices and Behaviour and the regulatory framework, with a view to facilitating the insurance industry in formulating and providing appropriate insurance products and services for their clients."

"The FEHD advises that permitted food premises should proactively notify their insurance companies in the future and consult them to confirm the coverage and specific terms of their insurance."

Following the three briefing sessions held for the food trade from May 11 to 13, the FEHD held the fourth briefing session yesterday (May 28), to set out relevant application procedures, eligibility criteria, licensing conditions and matters that require restaurant operators' attention, as well as to answer questions from attendees. Over 400 persons have attended the four briefing sessions in person, while more than 18 000 viewers watched the live broadcast or replay online.

The FEHD is accepting applications from restaurants for allowing dogs to enter their premises. As of 6pm yesterday, the department has received over 1 700 applications. The application period will end on June 8. Interested restaurants may submit their applications electronically through the FEHD's dedicated webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/index.html). The first batch of permission is expected to be granted in mid-June, with dogs allowed to enter permitted food premises starting from a specified date in July. The exact date will be announced in due course. Information including the Guidelines on Good Practices and Behaviour has been uploaded to the FEHD's dedicated webpage for reference by restaurant operators and members of the public. Enquiries about the applications can be made from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) through the dedicated hotlines (2867 5912 and 2867 2836).

FEHD briefs insurance industry on arrangements for allowing dogs to enter permitted food premises Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FEHD briefs insurance industry on arrangements for allowing dogs to enter permitted food premises Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species

Hong Kong Customs today (May 29) seized 153 turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, with a total estimated market value of about $1.58 million.

Through risk assessment, Customs today intercepted an incoming lorry at the control point. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species concealed in the socks inside the paper boxes.

The batch of turtles was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases