Immediate action against illegal feeding: Wild animals protection amendment

Regarding the Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 (Amendment Ordinance), which came into effect on August 1, 2024, a spokesperson for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (August 31), "The Amendment Ordinance has already been in effect for a month. Starting tomorrow (September 1), enforcement officers will take immediate enforcement action without prior verbal warnings upon discovering any person who is found to be illegally feeding wild animals or feral pigeons."

The Amendment Ordinance expands the territory-wide prohibition on feeding wild animals to cover feral pigeons, increases the maximum penalty for illegal feeding to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year, and introduces a fixed penalty of $5,000 for illegal feeding, with a view to further curbing illegal feeding activities.

The AFCD, in collaboration with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Housing Department, has stepped up patrols throughout Hong Kong, especially at locations with previous records of illegal feeding activities, and takes appropriate enforcement action as necessary based on intelligence and reports.

Furthermore, the AFCD has established an inter-departmental working group on feeding ban enforcement with relevant departments. The working group regularly reviews and discusses enforcement action against illegal feeding and arranges joint enforcement operations when necessary. Public members may call 1823 to report any suspected illegal feeding of wild animals or feral pigeons.

Concurrently, the AFCD has launched a series of publicity and education activities with the theme of "All For No Feeding", which includes setting up educational booths in various districts, distributing leaflets, and collaborating with Legislative Council Members, District Council members, and local communities to promote the message. These efforts aim to bring home to the public the negative impact of feeding wild animals and feral pigeons while publicizing the latest feeding ban and penalties. Relevant information has also been uploaded to the AFCD webpage.

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