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Below is information on the following: Hong Kong has laws designed to protect the welfare of animals in the country. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has extensive information on Animal Welfare in Hong Kong.
Veterinary SurgeonsThe Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong has a list of veterinary surgeons registered in Hong Kong.
Vaccinations & Pet HealthIt is advisable for all cats and dogs to have routine shots against Parvo, Distemper and Cat Flu. It is also common and recommended to give treatment on a regular basis to prevent intestinal worms, heartworms and tick and flea infestations. Dog LicencesDogs aged over three months should be inoculated against rabies, microchipped and licensed. It is illegal to keep dogs aged over five months without a licence. Animal Management CentresTo get a licence, owners should take their dogs to any of the following Animal Management Centres (AMCs) for microchipping, vaccination and licensing:
All centres are open daily including Sundays and public holidays. No advance booking is necessary and the whole procedure takes about fifteen minutes. A dog licence is valid for three years and the dog has to be revaccinated against rabies in order to renew the licence. The licence is not transferable. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) must be advised of any change in ownership or address within five days of the change. Failure to do so will result in a fine.
Restricted BreedsThere are restrictions on owning three types of dogs: fighting dogs, known dangerous dogs and large dogs (over 20 Kg). Fighting dogsThe following breeds, as well as crosses involving any of these types, are classified as fighting dogs:
It is an offence to possess a fighting dog unless it has been neutered. All fighting dogs must be identified with a special collar at all times. The import and breeding of fighting dogs is illegal. When such dogs are in a public place, including the common parts of buildings such as lifts and lobbies, they must be on a leash not exceeding 1.5 metres in length and fitted securely with a muzzle. Known Dangerous DogsIf a dog attacks and causes serious injury to a person or domestic animal in the absence of provocation of any kind, or if it repeatedly attacks or puts people in fear of being attacked, then a magistrate may declare a dog to be a "known dangerous dog". Controls for known dangerous dogs are essentially the same as those for fighting dogs (they must be neutered and wear a leash, muzzle and identifying collar in public places). Large dogsAny dog over 20 Kg in weight must be held on a leash not more than two metres in length when in a public place. Large dogs may be tied in public places on a leash not exceeding 1.5 metres in length provided this does not endanger the public, other animals or the welfare of the dog. Leashing requirements do not apply to large dogs in country parks and when swimming at sea, providing ample opportunity for owners to exercise their large dogs off leash. In addition, the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation can offer exemptions for large dogs that demonstrate in an examination that they can be controlled off leash.
The form should be sent at least three weeks before the scheduled examination by fax, post or in person to:
Other PetsGoldfish are immensely popular in Hong Kong, partly because the Chinese word for fish also sounds like the word for success; having three fish is considered auspicious. A popular place to buy them is the Goldfish Market, Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon. Birds are also extremely popular with a well-known bird market on Yuen Po Street, Mong Kok. Pets in Public PlacesThere is an on-the-spot fine for dog fouling in public places. Many parks have specific collection bins for dog waste. No animals are allowed on public transport except guide dogs. They are, however, allowed in taxis at the driver's discretion for an additional fee. Lost & Found AnimalsReport a lost or found pet to the relevant Animal Management Centre (listed above).
Also, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) headquarters in Wanchai provides assistance.
The Hong Kong Lost and Found Pet Search Centre helps owners to be reunited with their pets by providing a search service with photos. Buying & Selling PetsOther than the restrictions on large, fighting or known dangerous dogs, there are no restrictions on buying or selling pets. The government recommends that pets are bought from licensed traders, however, or preferably adopted from one of the many animal rescue organisations. Pet Threats & Animal Dangers in Hong KongThere are some threats to domestic animals from insects and snakes in Hong Kong. SnakesSnakes are a threat to outdoor cats and it is advised cats be kept indoors if possible. It is not unknown for snakes in the Hong Kong countryside to kill sizeable dogs. There are many species of snakes in Hong Kong including the Burmese python which can measure up to 6m long and the highly dangerous bamboo snake. Only a few species of snake are venomous. InsectsDue to the climate, both ticks and fleas are a problem for pets in Hong Kong throughout the year. Both survive by feeding on the host's blood (dogs or cats). The rest of the time they live in the environment, so when treating animals it is essential to treat both the animal and the environment. PoisonThe deliberate poisoning of animals has been a problem in the past but is becoming less frequent due to educational campaigns and police prosecution. Care should be taken when using cockroach sprays as these can be poisonous to cats. Animal Organisations in Hong Kong
Further Information
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This is the "Essential Animal Information for Pets in Hong Kong" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO Hong Kong. AngloINFO Hong Kong's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in Hong Kong, in English!". AngloINFO Hong Kong is your Hong Kong information source, for everyone living in Hong Kong or moving to Hong Kong, covering everything from the Hong Kong property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to China, to all aspects of everyday life in the Hong Kong international community for those living their lives in China. » Find out more about AngloINFO in China | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
