Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 21) detected a suspected case of an illegal importing of an animal at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. A suspected illegally imported live dog with an estimated market value of about $15,000 was seized.
Customs officers yesterday intercepted a 55-year-old incoming Mainland female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the said Control Point. Upon examination, a live dog was seized from her personal belongings, and she was subsequently arrested. The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
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.
Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CE receives report of Independent Committee in relation to fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (October 22) received the report of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
The Chief Executive thanked the Chairman of the Independent Committee, Mr Justice David Lok, and members Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung for their efforts. Through holding evidential hearings and other means, the Independent Committee heard and considered a large amount of evidence and materials provided by witnesses, experts, organisations and so on. It has, after in-depth analysis and study, compiled a detailed report in accordance with its terms of reference, providing a comprehensive review and recommendations on the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po and on large-scale building maintenance and renovation works.
The Chief Executive said, "The Government will make comprehensive reforms in areas including the supervision of building maintenance works, building management and regulation for fire service installations. The 2026 Policy Address published in September has launched various priority reform initiatives, while the Government has already taken steps to prepare for comprehensive reforms. We will carefully study the Committee's report, actively follow up on its recommendations, and shortly announce the plans for the comprehensive reforms and pursuing accountability."
The Government will publish the Committee's report. As various individuals implicated in the Wang Fuk Court fire have been charged with different criminal offences, it is incumbent upon the Government to identify and consider how best to handle those parts of the report that may be involved in the criminal trials, so as not to prejudice the court proceedings. The Government will seek legal advice on the appropriate way to publish the report at the earliest possible juncture.
The Chief Executive announced the establishment of the Committee on December 12, 2025, to review the causes and related issues of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, to make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring again, and to submit a report on the matter.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right), today (October 22) receives the report from the Chairman of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Mr Justice David Lok (second left), and members Mr Chan Kin-por (first right) and Dr Rex Auyeung (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
