Special inspection and enforcement operations on proper control of dogs
To raise awareness among dog keepers to properly control their dogs in public places and to reduce incidents of dog attack arising from improper dog control, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (August 28) announced that special inspection and enforcement operations will be conducted at various locations across Hong Kong on August 30, September 5 and 6.
An AFCD spokesman said, "During the special operations, AFCD officers will step up inspections and enforcement at public places where dogs congregate. If dog keepers are found not to have properly controlled their dogs in accordance with the legal requirements, the AFCD will take immediate enforcement action without warning in advance. The AFCD will also make use of these opportunities to promote the message of responsible pet ownership and explain the relevant statutory requirements to members of the public."
The spokesman reminded members of the public that under the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), dogs in a public place must be held on a leash or otherwise under control. The Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D), even states more explicitly that large dogs (weighing 20 kilograms or above) must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length by a person when in a public place. Illegal acts are liable to fine and imprisonment upon conviction.
The AFCD emphasised that properly controlling dogs in public places is not only a legal requirement but also help safeguard public and animal safety. Members of the public who wish to learn more about the proper control of dogs and how to be a responsible pet owner may visit the AFCD website (www.pets.gov.hk).
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Photo source: reference image
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $7.5 million at airport
Hong Kong Customs today (August 28) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 32 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $7.5 million were seized.
A 42-year-old British male transit passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, and planned to take a flight to London, the United Kingdom, today. During Customs clearance, the suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 32kg in total, were found in 29 bags inside his two check-in suitcases. The male was subsequently arrested.
The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 29).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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 suspected cannabis buds worth about $7.5 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
