Editorial | Red carpet for pets as quarantine eased in Hong Kong
As long as sufficient facilities and services are in place, Hong Kong is right to relax rules for the import of dogs and cats from mainland China
Belatedly but rightly, Hong Kong has loosened the leash on pet imports, with quarantine for cats and dogs from mainland China slashed from 120 days to 30 starting from this month. While the change may help reduce cross-border animal smuggling activities, it may also increase the demand for quarantine and related facilities and services. The authorities should closely monitor the situation and ensure there will be adequate support.
Officials are not wrong in rejecting calls for more flexibility at this stage, including partial or full quarantine at home. But they promise to designate more checkpoints and longer hours for pet transport from the mainland, subject to the outcome of the first phase of implementation and the available manpower. Separately, talks with mainland authorities are under way for residents to temporarily bring their pets northbound with more flexible quarantine requirements.
Under the new rule, incoming animals shall enter via one of the three land border control points – Shenzhen Bay, Lok Ma Chau and Heung Yuen Wai – between 9am and 5pm. Owners are required to have their pets implanted with a conforming microchip, hold a valid vaccination certificate for rabies and designated infectious diseases, obtain satisfactory results from rabies antibody titre testing, and possess an animal health certificate issued by recognised mainland veterinarians.
The government believes there will be sufficient facilities to meet demand, saying the existing quarantine facilities for cats and dogs have been increased from 21 to 34, and 20 to 30, respectively. With the shortened duration, the capacity will be increased up to seven times. But to those who are eager to bring in their furry friends, they may still have to wait a considerably long time to use the facilities. The 30-day rule for animals from the mainland is still relatively stringent compared to waivers for other places, including Taiwan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, Britain and Japan.
Striking a balance between health risks and animal welfare remains the key. This is especially important as the quarantine policy has implications for a city that is eagerly opening the door to former residents and new talent who may be put off by restrictive pet control.