I REFER to Mr John Simpson's letter (South China Morning Post, July 17) headlined, ''Stray dog problem solvable''.
Basically the territory's pet trade is under adequate control. All puppies imported, transiting or transhipped through Hongkong must be accompanied by a Special Permit issued by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department under the Dogs and Cats Ordinance Cap.167. In addition, strict animal welfare and animal health conditions under various ordinances and the Live Animals Regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) are required to be met by the permittee who imports any puppy into Hongkong.
The implication that imported puppies are causing the stray dog problem is simply not correct. AFD is responsible for stray dog control and according to its records, almost all of the stray dogs caught are those who originate from feral or construction site populations and not pure breeds. It would also appear rather uneconomical and illogical to pay huge sums of money to bring in a puppy and dump it on to the streets.
On the import ban of dogs as suggested by Mr Simpson, it would be seen as a denial of individual rights. Provided that animal diseases, animal welfare and public health are not put at risk, we have no legal power to stop the importation of dogs. In addition, circumstantial evidence suggests that it is not the imported dogs that are causing the problem.
On the criticism over pet shops, the conditions there are satisfactory. Regular AFD inspections over these establishments indicate that animal traders are generally abiding by the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations and are complying with a Code of Standards imposing strict guidelines in respect to enclosures, husbandry, hygiene, disease control and animal welfare. Although the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance does not confer on RSPCA inspectors the power of arrest, an RSPCA inspector who detects any cruelty in the transporting or handling of animals can report this to the police who may then apprehend the person or people responsible.
Dr BARRY BOUSFIELD for Director of Agriculture and Fisheries