The number of reported dog poisoning cases in Hong Kong increased nearly tenfold last year to at least 49, according to a volunteer group, with activists on Wednesday urging authorities to tighten animal cruelty laws by the end of 2025.
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More than 20 representatives from animal rights and community groups met lawmakers, police and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on Wednesday to push for stricter welfare legislation amid recent cases of deadly dog poisonings.
Organisations such as Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter, Home for Homeless Dogs and Hong Kong Guardians volunteer rescue group were among them.
North district councillor Lau Chun-hoi said the government first proposed amending the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance in 2019 but had not yet finalised the amendment proposals, nor had it set a specific timetable for introducing the bill in the Legislative Council.
Animal cruelty is currently punishable by up to three years in jail and a fine of HK$200,000 upon conviction.
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“We hope the [department] can provide Hongkongers and animal-lovers with a timeline since we have been waiting since 2019,” Lau said.