Starting Tomorrow, Harsher Penalties for Feeding Wild Animals – Public Urged to Follow Rules

The Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 is set to come into operation tomorrow, August 1. This Amendment Ordinance aims to enhance the protection of wild animals by expanding the current prohibition on feeding wild animals to include feral pigeons. The maximum penalty for illegal feeding will also be increased from a fine of $10,000 to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year. Additionally, a fixed penalty of $5,000 will be introduced to further deter illegal feeding activities and reduce the nuisance and environmental hygiene problems caused by feeding feral pigeons and wild animals.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) spokesperson highlighted that the Amendment Ordinance will also broaden the scope of enforcement officers to include officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and the Housing Department. This expansion aims to ensure effective enforcement of the feeding ban and maintain ecological balance. Enforcement officers will adopt a risk-based strategy and take appropriate action based on intelligence and reports received.

To allow the public time to understand the new requirements, during the first month after the Amendment Ordinance comes into effect, enforcement officers will issue verbal warnings to individuals found illegally feeding feral pigeons or wild animals. From September 1 onwards, enforcement action will be taken immediately without prior warning. The AFCD has launched a series of publicity and education activities under the theme „All For No Feeding“ to raise awareness of the negative impacts of feeding wild animals and the penalties associated with illegal feeding.

Members of the public can report suspected illegal feeding activities by calling 1823. Information on the feeding ban and relevant penalties can also be found on the AFCD webpage. The Amendment Ordinance is a significant step towards protecting wild animals and maintaining a healthy ecological balance in Hong Kong.

In other news, the Legislative Council Panel on Education is currently on a duty visit in Shanghai and Suzhou. The delegation visited the Zhangjiang AI Robot Valley in Shanghai to learn about the application of high-end medical robots and industrial robots. They also visited the Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence of Fudan University to discuss the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

In Suzhou, the delegation visited Nanjing University Suzhou Campus, focusing on emerging industries in Internet and high technology. They exchanged views with the leaders of Nanjing University on research-academic-industry education and digital transformation of education. The delegation looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Nanjing University in talent cultivation in the future.

The delegation will continue its duty visit in Suzhou tomorrow, further exploring educational and technological advancements in the region. The visit aims to enhance collaboration and exchange between Hong Kong and mainland educational institutions for mutual benefit and growth.