AFCD investigates suspected dog attack in Yuen Long
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (August 18) announced that, in relation to a suspected dog attack case involving a dog attacking other dogs that occurred in Yuen Long yesterday (August 17), the AFCD arrested the keeper of the dog concerned this afternoon and collected statement regarding this case. The dog concerned is currently put under observation at the AFCD's animal management centre.
The dog concerned was previously detained by the AFCD on July 10 this year in connection with another dog attack case. The dog concerned was subsequently reclaimed by its keeper. At the time, the AFCD warned the keeper that the dog must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length in public places and must be kept under proper control.
The AFCD is currently investigating the two aforementioned cases and will instigate prosecution if there is sufficient evidence.
The AFCD attaches great importance to the matter, particularly with regard to the control of large dogs in public places, and once again reminds all dog keepers that they must keep their dogs under proper control at all times, especially by securely holding the large dogs on a leash to prevent them from causing nuisance or injury to other people or animals.
Under section 9 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D), a large dog weighing 20 kilograms or more must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length when in a public place. Any person who contravenes the relevant requirement is liable to a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for three months.
Under section 23 of the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), a dog must be held on a leash or otherwise kept under proper control when in a public place, or in any other place from which it may reasonably be expected to wander into a public place. Any person who contravenes the above requirement is liable to a fine of $10,000.
Furthermore, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), any person who wantonly or unreasonably does or fails to do any act, thereby causing any animal to suffer unnecessary pain, commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years.
Source: AI-found images
DH takes action against unlawful tobacco advertising to safeguard a healthy, smoke free future for young people
In response to an online animation suspected of contravening the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) (the Ordinance), the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 18) stressed that the animation in question does far more than depicting a character smoking. It repeatedly, continuously and prominently displays cigarette packs and tobacco products from multiple angles, with clearly recognisable brand names and logos. Such depictions constitute tobacco advertising as defined under the Ordinance and are suspected to involve product placement and dissemination of tobacco advertisements, in breach of sections 13B and 14.
TACO received a public complaint regarding an animation containing tobacco advertisements posted on two online platforms. The animation repeatedly and clearly displayed tobacco products and a tobacco product brand name. Following investigation, TACO issued notices to the relevant platforms requiring them to cease any activities that may contravene the statutory prohibition on tobacco advertising. TACO will continue to follow up on the case.
According to section 13B of the Ordinance, no person shall place or cause to be placed a smoking product advertisement on the Internet; Section 14(1) of the Ordinance stipulates that an advertisement is a smoking product advertisement if it: (a) contains any express or implied inducement, suggestion or request to purchase or smoke any smoking product; (b) relates to smoking in terms which are calculated, expressly or impliedly, to promote or encourage the use of any smoking product; or (c) illustrates or mentions smoking or any smoking products or their packages or qualities; Section 14(2) of the Ordinance clearly states that where an advertisement includes any trade mark or brand name of a smoking product, or any pictorial device or part thereof commonly associated therewith, then the advertisement shall be deemed to be a smoking product advertisement. According to the Ordinance, advertisement means any announcement to the public made or to be made in any manner.
Any person convicted of an offence under the relevant provisions is liable on conviction to a fine of HK$50,000, and in the case of a continuing offence, to an additional fine of HK$1,500 for each day during which the offence continues.
From 2022 to 2025, TACO received approximately 1 100 to 4 600 complaints or referrals each year concerning smoking product advertisements. During the same period, TACO issued a total of 180 summonses and 45 warning letters for suspected violations.
Prohibiting tobacco advertising and promotion is a key tobacco control measure in Hong Kong. TACO enforces the law strictly in accordance with statutory requirements and evidence, preventing any attempt to subtly promote tobacco products through animations or other means. This helps eliminate the harm posed by tobacco products and protects public health.
TACO again urges smokers to quit as early as possible, not only for their own health but also for the well being of their families and others. The DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline 1833 183, operated by registered nurses, provides professional counselling services to support smoking cessation.
Source: AI-found images
