To ensure that dog keepers arrange regular rabies vaccinations and obtain valid licences for their dogs, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (June 1) that starting today, the AFCD will conduct regular licence inspections and enforcement operations at public places where dogs congregate.
An AFCD spokesman said, "During inspections, AFCD officers will conduct random checks on dogs and scan them to verify whether a microchip has been implanted and a valid licence has been issued. The AFCD appeals to dog keepers to cooperate with enforcement officers. If a dog is found without a valid licence, the AFCD will institute prosecution against the keeper without prior warning."
Under the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A), all dogs over 5 months old must be licensed, and licences must thereafter be renewed at intervals of not more than three years. Offenders are liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HK$10,000.
The spokesman reminded dog keepers who have not yet obtained a valid licence for their dogs to proceed as soon as possible to the AFCD Animal Management Centres or private veterinary clinics to have their dogs vaccinated against rabies and licensed. Dog keepers with licensed dogs are also required to renew the licence and vaccinate their dogs against rabies every three years.
The AFCD emphasised that regular rabies vaccination and licensing of dogs are not only statutory requirements but also essential measures to safeguard animal health and public safety.
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