Ombudsman probes Government's work on animal management and protection of animal rights and welfare
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (December 27) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to probe the Government's work on animal management and protection of animal rights and welfare.
In recent years, various sectors of the community have a growing concern about the rights and welfare of animals, particularly in the wake of cases of severe cruelty to animals that have occurred over recent months, with many of these animals found abused to death. The general public is calling for tougher enforcement by the authorities and heavier penalties. The Office of The Ombudsman notes that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has proposed to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance since 2019 to step up efforts to combat animal cruelty, but it has not finalised the amendment proposals to date, nor has it set a specific timetable for introducing the bill into the Legislative Council.
Moreover, the Government has uncovered a number of illegal animal breeding farms and animal smuggling activities in recent years, and there have been media reports on the illegal importation, illegal breeding and unlicensed trading of animals. These illegal activities not only pose threats to public hygiene and health, but also cause substantial suffering to animals.
Meanwhile, the Office has from time to time received complaints against the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for improper treatment of animals captured or seized, and failure to properly handle reports of animal cruelty or illegal breeding and unlicensed trading of animals.
Mr Chan said, "With the advancement of society, the public attaches more importance to animal rights and welfare, while pet ownership is also increasingly common in Hong Kong. Although the Government has indicated that it will step up combating animal cruelty through legislative amendments, I aspire to conduct this direct investigation operation to comprehensively review the adequacy, effectiveness and room for improvement of the Government's work and measures for preventing and combating animal cruelty, protecting animal rights and welfare, and animal management. Therefore, I have decided to launch a direct investigation operation to thoroughly examine the AFCD's work regarding animal management and protection of animal rights and welfare, including the prevention of animal abuse, handling of suspected cases of animal cruelty, measures to combat illegal breeding, smuggling and unlicensed trading of animals, treatment of stray animals and re-homing arrangements, as well as public education and publicity to promote animal rights and welfare. Where necessary, pertinent recommendations will be made for improvement."
The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by January 24, 2025:
Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre
168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 2882 8149
Email: complaints@ombudsman.hk
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony
Hong Kong Customs held a graduation parade for the Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony at the Hong Kong Customs College today (December 27).
During the graduation parade, 60 members of the Customs Youth Leader Corps (CYLC) and 22 in-service Customs personnel who were former CYLC members demonstrated the exceptional discipline and demeanour of the disciplined services through their uniform Chinese-style foot drill. The flag-raising ceremony was conducted by the Foot Drill and Flag Party of the CYLC, the first youth group under the Security Bureau to perform the Chinese-style rifle foot drill, fully reflecting the steadfast commitment of Customs in nurturing patriotism among young people.
The Executive Director of the Executive Committee of Customs YES, Dr Eugene Chan, in his speech said that Customs YES continuously promotes youth development by organising activities such as national education, community services, Customs work experience, career orientation and discipline trainings with an aim to nurture youth leaders with a sense of responsibility, national identity and a global horizon. He also encouraged members to maintain the excellent qualities of the CYLC, namely courage, perseverance and integrity, in the future to contribute to the country and Hong Kong.
During the four-day training camp, participants underwent training on the Chinese-style foot drill, physical fitness and leadership to enhance their team spirit and leadership capabilities. They also visited the Customs Airport Command and the headquarters of the Government Flying Service, and gained a deeper understanding on their work through briefings and a helicopter flight experience.
Following the graduation parade, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, Dr Chan and the Director of the Executive Committee of Customs YES, Dr Mark Mak, officiated at the "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony. "YES Buddy" is the first 5G AI publicity robot of Customs. Led by Dr Mak and his team, members from the Innovation & Nurture: Customs YES Robotics Workshop took part in the design of the robot's appearance, functions and programming, embodying the creativity and practice of this innovation and technology learning.
Integrated with artificial intelligence, natural language processing and machine learning technologies, "YES Buddy" can give instant responses to public inquiries about customs work and Customs YES, as well as providing information on membership application matters and activities. Its database also covers knowledge on national security. In the future, "YES Buddy" will serve as a Customs YES ambassador to visit schools and youth gathering places to promote customs work and Customs YES activities, as well as encourage member recruitment and national security education.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to promote Customs YES with a view to fostering the all-round development of young people and nurturing a new generation of youth with an affection for the country and Hong Kong, with global perspectives and positive thinking.
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
