Hong Kong Legislature Increases Penalties for Feeding Wild Animals

Hong Kong’s legislature has passed a significant amendment to the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, raising the maximum penalty for feeding wild animals to a HK$100,000 fine and one year of imprisonment. This new law, set to take effect on August 1, aims to address the adverse impacts of illegal feeding on wildlife, the environment, and public health.

The revised ordinance now includes feral pigeons under its protection. Convicted offenders will face penalties ten times harsher than the current maximum fine of HK$10,000. This substantial increase reflects the government’s commitment to mitigating the negative consequences of illegal feeding.

“The prohibition on feeding pigeons and the increase in penalties for the offense of illegal feeding are aimed at strengthening the protection of wildlife, as well as mitigating the public nuisance and environmental hygiene issues caused by human feeding activities,” stated Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan during the legislative session. He emphasized the serious repercussions of such activities on both the ecosystem and public well-being.

To ensure effective enforcement, the amendment authorizes more government officials to implement the ban. During the debate, some lawmakers expressed concerns about the feasibility of enforcing the feeding ban. In response, Tse mentioned that the Agricultural, Fisheries, and Conservation Department would collaborate with other departments to strategize enforcement. He also indicated that the installation of surveillance cameras in known feeding hotspots is being considered.

Tse highlighted that the government’s strategy would prioritize public education and awareness campaigns, complemented by strict enforcement actions. This balanced approach aims to foster a greater understanding of the importance of protecting wildlife and maintaining environmental hygiene among the public.

Animals Are My Favorite People by Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content:

• Groups Condemn Louisiana State University For Continuing Cruel Tests on Birds By Feeding Them Crude Oil
• Queen Under Fire for Racing Pigeons, a Cruel Sport Where Thousands of Birds Die
• Pigeons in Germany at Risk of Starving to Death Due to Lack of Food Scraps on Streets
• Pigeons Wearing Cowboys Hats Glued to Their Heads Found and Rescued in Las Vegas

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!