I refer to the letter from Lolita Del Mundo headlined, 'Sad sight' (Sunday Morning Post, May 14).
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is fully aware of the problems of the puppy trade in Hong Kong. Our veterinary surgeons often see puppies which are seriously ill or even dead shortly after being purchased from pet shops. In order to put pressure on the Government to look seriously into this problem, we are now actively collating a list of cases to be submitted to the relevant administrative authorities.
It is our opinion that all dogs for sale in pet shops should be microchipped to safeguard their welfare and prevent the continued operation and formation of 'puppy mills'.
The SPCA also shares the same concerns as Ms Del Mundo about the problems of keeping dogs on construction sites. In 1995, it put together a set of guidelines which were sent to major developers in Hong Kong appealing to them to pay attention to the welfare of dogs kept on their sites. Unfortunately, our appeal was totally ignored.
The SPCA now proactively sends inspectors to construction sites to identify and log animals, ensuring that they are licensed and properly cared for. Last year, the SPCA conducted 850 inspections of construction sites.
Our inspectors may give advice, warnings or, if necessary, initiate prosecution through the police or the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
