New buildings may be forced to include anti-roosting safeguards to help stop a pigeon population explosion under a proposal being considered by officials.
'Overstayer' mainland birds that were released for the handover but failed to return home as planned are being blamed by some observers for a boom in the number of pigeons in Hong Kong in recent years.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals wants laws to make anti-roosting measures compulsory in new buildings, to prevent further problems.
A Buildings Department spokeswoman said it would consult architects and structural engineers to see if there was a need to take action.
The department would consider issuing a 'practice note' to the building industry which would have to be followed in order for building plans to be approved.
But the department did not feel it was necessary at this stage to amend the Buildings Ordinance itself, which aims to ensure building safety and the health of occupants.