Hong Kong Customs detects illegally importing animal case in sixth phase of "Pet Guardian" operation
Hong Kong Customs has conducted an operation against the smuggling of animals, codenamed "Pet Guardian", with the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Shenzhen Customs since November 2023. Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of illegally importing animals in the sixth phase of the operation, which was commenced in late July this year. One suspected illegally imported cat with an estimated market value of about $2,000 was seized.
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 30) at Sha Tau Kok spotted a local male and a local female entering Hong Kong through the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint from the Mainland side of Chung Ying Street. Customs officers then took action and found a cat inside the backpack carried by the male. The 15-year-old male and the 45-year-old female, who was suspected to be connected with the case, were subsequently arrested.
An investigation of the case is ongoing and the cat has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
Being a government department specifically responsible for tackling smuggling, Customs will continue to enhance co-operation and intelligence exchanges with other law enforcement agencies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.
Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.
Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year upon conviction.
Hong Kong Customs detects illegally importing animal case in sixth phase of "Pet Guardian" operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Thematic Household Survey Report No. 87 published
The Thematic Household Survey Report No. 87 is published by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (July 31).
This publication contains key findings on health, elderly care and social inclusion in respect of Hong Kong elderly population based on the Thematic Household Survey conducted from April to August 2024.
The survey results showed that 14.1% of persons aged 65 and over had feelings of loneliness during the week before enumeration in 2024. In the same year, 3.6% of persons aged 65 and over had received community support or care services for the elderly during the 12 months before enumeration.
Among all persons aged 65 and over, 76.3% had a preference for ageing in place in the coming 2 years, whereas 2.6% preferred residential care in the coming 2 years; and 21.1% had not yet decided.
The majority of elderly persons had maintained contacts with persons living apart. In 2024, 95.8% of persons aged 65 and over had contacted family members, relatives or friends living apart during the 3 months before enumeration. Among those having contacts with family members or relatives living apart, over 40% had contacted family members or relatives living apart at least once a week, while another 40% had such contacts at least once a month but less than once a week.
Other information
The survey successfully enumerated target respondents in some 10 100 households in accordance with a scientific sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong.
Detailed findings of the survey, together with the population coverage and concepts/definitions of key terms, are presented in the publication. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1130201&scode=453).
Enquiries about the survey findings can be directed to the Social Surveys Section (1) of the C&SD (Tel: 3863 2622 or email: thematic@censtatd.gov.hk).
