IN the last two years there has been a significant increase in the number of licensed pet shops being allowed to open in Hong Kong. There were 73 in 1991, and there are now in excess of 140. The proprietors of many of these establishments import puppies. I do not have figures for 1993, but understand that up to July 1992, 11,809 puppies were brought in, and have every reason to believe that the figures for 1993 will be even greater. In view of the government edict that people living in government housing are not allowed to keep dogs, including some members of the police force, and other government departments, I find it difficult to understand why the Agriculture and Fisheries Department continues to allow importation of so many puppies to Hong Kong. It seems incompatible that whilst a large proportion of the community is not allowed to keep dogs, the number of pet shops granted licences is increasing along with the numbers of puppies imported. Within a very short time many of these unfortunate animals end up at veterinary clinics for treatment, suffering from such ailments as distemper and mange, and sadly many are already too sick to be treated. Others are surrendered to the Royal Society forthe Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), when their owners can no longer keep them, in the hope that the society can find them homes. With the number of homes available shrinking rapidly, and limited kennelling available in the centres, this is becoming increasingly difficult, and older ''recycled'' dogs have to compete against a never-ending supply of cute newcomers in the pet shops. Could the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries reveal if any plans are being made to deal with this problem? ANN KIRKWOOD Tai Tam
