Amid growing concern, Hong Kong should move faster on animal cruelty

A report released by the Office of the Ombudsman underscored the need for officials to respond to growing public concern and international trends regarding animal welfare. Existing procedures were described as “ineffective” in the office’s latest direct investigation operation report released on April 16. It found less than 1 per cent of reported cases resulting in prosecutions.

Ombudsman Jack Chan Jick-chi said the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s investigative approach was “ineffective against offenders intending to conceal evidence”. The number of reports of suspected animal cruelty cases received by the AFCD nearly doubled between 2020 and 2024. Of 1,633 reports the department handled between 2020 and the first half of 2025, only six resulted in prosecutions – just 0.4 per cent. In several cases, the AFCD could not access flats to investigate suspected animal abuse.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance does not allow officers to enter premises without the occupant’s express consent. AFCD also cannot seek court warrants. In some cases, officers relied solely on what they could see from outside. Some cases were closed “prematurely” without confirming if abuse had occurred.

The Ombudsman also called for strengthened penalties against illegal animal traps, saying the current fine of up to HK$50,000 (US$6,400) and no risk of jail time offered “no deterrence”. Even feeding pigeons can result in fines twice as high and a year in prison.

Power to enter homes raises obvious privacy concerns, but a warrant system or clear rules of engagement could help balance such fears. The issue is clearly of great public concern, with the government watchdog receiving a record 3,000 submissions related to its investigation. The authorities should move faster to make good on a 2019 pledge to introduce amendments updating the ordinance that dates back to 1935.