I refer to the letter by John Collins headlined, 'Noisy dogs' (South China Morning Post, February 14), concerning dogs in the vicinity of the Light Rail Depot, near Sun Tuen Mun Centre.

Night operations were conducted, with 17 stray dogs being caught there last year, and 33 dogs caught in recent exercises this year. We will continue the action. Should Mr Collins need further information, he can contact our veterinary officer Dr Kenny Ho, or Senior Field Officer Lee Pak-hang at the New Territories North Animal Management Centre (tel: 2672 4630, or 2672 5463, or 2670 2201; fax 2673 8915).

DAVID BURROWS for Director of Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation