AFCD launches special enforcement operations against illegal feeding activities
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will launch one-month special operations starting tomorrow (October 1) to step up patrols and enforcement at various blackspots for illegal feeding of wild animals, including Kam Shan Country Park and Lion Rock Country Park, with a focus on combating the illegal feeding of wild animals such as monkeys and wild pigs.
A spokesman for the AFCD said, "Feeding wild animals causes them to rely on human feeding, weakens their ability to forage for food independently, and may lead to the congregation of wild animals, causing a nuisance to members of the public and affecting public safety. It also has adverse impacts on wild animals and the natural ecology. After frequent contact with humans, wild animals such as monkeys and wild pigs may lose their natural fear of humans, and may even become aggressive, actively snatching plastic bags or food held by members of the public, which may result in injury cases. Food residues left by feeders and animal faeces also soil public places and give rise to public hygiene problems."
The newly amended Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170), which came into effect on August 1, 2024, introduced a fixed penalty of $5,000, and increased the maximum penalty for the illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year to enhance the overall deterrent effect. As at August 31, 2026, the AFCD has issued 86 and 59 fixed penalty notices in respect of illegal feeding of monkeys and wild pigs respectively. There were 12 successful summons prosecutions, with the highest fine imposed at $10,500.
The AFCD has installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems equipped with AI technology at the car parks in Kam Shan Country Park to effectively identify illegal feeding activities, thereby assisting the department in deploying enforcement operations. From the commencement of the trials of the AI-enabled CCTV systems in early 2024 to August 31, 2026, there were 13 successful prosecution cases, with two other cases still under investigation.
In addition, the AFCD will continue to strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders to carry out diverse publicity and education activities, including a series of campaigns themed "All for No Feeding", to raise public awareness of the negative impacts of feeding wild animals and feral pigeons, as well as the feeding ban and associated penalties. Meanwhile, to step up publicity targeted at visitors to Hong Kong, during the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland, the AFCD will display promotional materials of "All for No Feeding" at MTR, cross-boundary coaches and boundary control points, and distribute leaflets at boundary control points to remind the public and visitors not to feed wild animals or feral pigeons.
The public may report any suspected illegal feeding activities by calling 1823.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Photo source: reference image
AFCD announces arrangements at ecotourism hotspots for National Day Golden Week of Mainland
In anticipation of a large number of visitors to Sai Kung East Country Park, Sharp Island and Shui Hau on Lantau Island during the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland (October 1 to 7), the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (September 30) announced the following preparation and deployment of management work at different ecotourism hotspots during the holiday period:
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Photo source: reference image
High Island Reservoir East Dam
In addition to deploying additional manpower to strengthen management of the East Dam area of High Island Reservoir, the AFCD will use drones equipped with broadcasting functions to conduct surveillance regularly from above the Po Pin Chau viewing platform and remind visitors not to cross the railings. The AFCD will disseminate visitor flow information for the East Dam area via the ''Enjoy Hiking" Information on Visitor Flow at East Dam of High Island Reservoir webpage to help visitors better plan their trips. Furthermore, the AFCD will continue to trial the online real-name reservation arrangement for the High Island Geo Trail-Po Pin Chau Section, and implement crowd management measures at the Po Pin Chau Section and the viewing platform. Reservations for October 1 to 5 are fully booked for the entire day, while limited quotas remain available for certain time slots on the remaining days. Please pay attention to the latest announcements by the AFCD.
The Po Pin Chau Section, Photo source: FB@AFCD
Campsites at Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan and Long Ke Wan in Sai Kung
The AFCD will deploy additional staff day and night to patrol, be stationed, enforce regulations against violations, and use CCTV systems to assist in monitoring the campsites. The AFCD staff on-site will enhance publicity on safe hiking, caring for the environment, animals and plants, maintaining cleanliness, and observing camping behaviour and etiquette. They will also strengthen cleaning and waste management efforts around campsites.
The AFCD will provide strainers for collecting food residues outside the Ham Tin public toilet and will, on a trial basis, lend small grill stands to campers in need at Ham Tin Wan and Sai Wan campsites to help maintain campsite cleanliness. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has installed an eco-smart toilet near the Ham Tin public toilet to provide additional cubicles and washing facilities, and will deploy toilet attendants to be on duty daily during holidays to enhance cleaning services.
Shui Hau on Lantau Island, Photo source: reference image
Sharp Island and Shui Hau on Lantau Island
The AFCD will increase and deploy staff, and use drones to monitor conditions on the beach and along the coastal area. The department will also conduct joint patrols with the FEHD, the Marine Department and the Hong Kong Police Force to carry out publicity and education and maintain order; once frontline staff observe anyone attempting acts that may damage the ecology, such as damaging, disturbing, feeding or collecting marine organisms, or entering the water at coral locations—they will intervene immediately. The Government will also enhance cleaning of public places on the island.
In addition, the AFCD will collaborate with the WWF-Hong Kong to set up a public education booth at the pier of Sharp Island and the beach backshore to promote marine conservation messages and guidelines for appreciating nature. Snorkelling guides and kayaking guides will also patrol the nearshore waters to remind snorkelers to follow coral-friendly routes for entering and exiting the water to avoid accidentally trampling on corals.
The AFCD will monitor visitor flow at Shui Hau on Lantau Island, patrol the Shui Hau sandflat and work with the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong to organise public education activities, including setting up an educational booth, distributing conservation leaflets, and engaging visitors with information on how to protect horseshoe crabs and the surrounding coastal environment.
The Po Pin Chau Section, Photo source: FB@AFCD
Reminders on hiking safety and protecting the natural environment
The AFCD urges visitors to pay attention to hiking safety, follow outdoor etiquette and codes, and use only officially managed and maintained trails in country parks. Information boards and direction signs have been placed at appropriate locations in country parks, and warning signs have been erected near locations with dangerous terrains to remind visitors not to get close to dangerous areas to avoid accidents. Visitors should follow the signs and stay on official trails, and must not cross railings or stand close to cliff edges, coastal fringes, steep slopes and other dangerous locations. Visitors must prioritise their personal safety and should not take risks by using shortcuts or for the sake of taking photos or sightseeing.
Hikers should assess their physical capabilities, make adequate preparations before setting out and pay attention to weather conditions. They should wear appropriate clothing and prepare sufficient drinking water to prevent heatstroke, avoid hiking alone, and ensure that mobile phones are fully charged so that help can be sought by calling 999 or 112 in case of an emergency. For information on hiking safety and outdoor etiquette and codes, please visit the ''Enjoy Hiking" Hiking Information on Green Tourism webpage.
Country parks are valuable natural resources. Caring for the natural environment and keeping it clean are every visitor's responsibility. Visitors should practise "Take Your Litter Home" and hiking etiquette. Camping is permitted only at designated campsites, and fire can only be used at designated barbecue sites or campsites.
The AFCD particularly reminds visitors not to climb trees, disturb or harm wild animals and plants, or cause a nuisance to other visitors. According to the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96), any person who fells, cuts, burns or otherwise destroys any trees in a forest or plantation without lawful authority or excuse shall commit an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for one year upon conviction.
The AFCD will strengthen patrols, publicity and education work at the above ecotourism hotspots during the holiday. Enforcement action will be taken immediately against any violations.
High Island Reservoir East Dam, Photo source: reference image
