Persistent animal abusers would be barred by the courts from keeping pets under government proposals disclosed yesterday.
But suggested amendments to pet-shop licensing conditions, such as restricting the supply of dogs to animals from reputable breeds, have been delayed after opposition from the pet trade.
Animal welfare groups welcomed the initiatives, which include drastically increased penalties for some offences, but urged the government to act quickly on the licensing revisions.
In the measures to be put to the Legislative Council, the Food and Health Bureau proposed raising the maximum penalty for the illegal trading of animals from HK$2,000 to HK$100,000, and for a breach of licensing conditions from HK$1,000 to HK$50,000.
The sale of sick animals and birds with infectious diseases would also be outlawed, but no penalty details were mentioned.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said giving magistrates the power to bar convicted abusers from keeping pets for a time would help safeguard the welfare of animals.
