The average success rate of animal cruelty cases, from reporting to court ruling, is less than 10%, and nearly one-third of rescued animals die or need to be euthanized within 24 hours—this is the harsh reality facing animal protection enforcement in Hong Kong. As an international metropolis, Hong Kong’s core animal protection law, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, dates back to 1935. Despite the increasing societal concern for animal welfare, the entire chain of handling animal cruelty cases—ranging from enforcement and investigation to prosecution—faces significant gaps in systematic data and structural inefficiencies. In 2017, the Hong Kong government reaffirmed its commitment to animal welfare and established a cross-departmental task force to handle related cases. However, translating policy commitments into tangible protection for animals requires an evidence-based, deep reform focused on enhancing enforcement efficiency. Protecting animals goes far beyond goodwill; it relies on precise and effective system operations. In 2017, Hong Kong is at a critical juncture to review and upgrade this protective system. Fragmented data, sluggish processes, and outdated laws have woven a security net full of holes, resulting in countless silent lives enduring ongoing suffering. We call on the Hong Kong SAR government to base its actions on empirical evidence, with the aim of protecting lives and to immediately start constructing a transparent, efficient, and professional enforcement system for animal cruelty cases. Starting from the establishment of a unified database to strengthening frontline enforcement and addressing legal loopholes, every step is crucial. This is not only to respond to society’s growing demands for animal welfare but also to uphold the fundamental spirit of justice and the rule of law — ensuring every crime is properly investigated, every harm is measured by law, and every life is granted protection as promised by society. Only in this way can Hong Kong truly become a civilized city that treats all lives with kindness. When the last report is filed and the last case is adjudicated, we hope to see those cold numbers of death in the data decrease year by year until they reach zero.

Every Wednesday afternoon, in a classroom of a special school in Hong Kong, children quietly await the arrival of a special “assistant”—a rigorously selected and trained Golden Retriever named “Sunshine.” Guided by a therapist, shy children begin reading softly to “Sunshine,” while children with autism attempt to connect through petting, and recovering patients regain coordination and confidence through interaction with the dog. This is not just a warm moment; it symbolizes the global emergence of “Animal- Assisted Therapy” (AAT) as a mainstream approach in medical and social services. In 2017, public concern for animal welfare in Hong Kong has surpassed the mere principle of “not abusing” animals, prompting society to explore the positive value animals can bring. In parallel, pressing social issues such as an aging population and rising mental health needs have come to the forefront. At this intersection, systematically researching and promoting the development of AAT in Hong Kong can open a new dimension for animal welfare focused on “creating social value,” while also providing a unique and compassionate complement to our healthcare, education, and social welfare systems. This is not merely an embellishment; it is a forward-looking investment in constructing a more inclusive and healthier society. The scientific value of AAT has gained widespread international recognition. Interactions with therapy animals have been proven to effectively lower blood pressure, slow heart rates, reduce stress and anxiety, and stimulate the release of endorphins, the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals. Animals can serve as powerful mediators to break down communication barriers and motivate individuals in fields such as child development, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dementia care, and rehabilitation. For animals, participating in such work, when adhering to strict welfare guidelines (such as voluntary participation, limited work hours, and stress monitoring), can provide rich psychological stimulation and positive interactions, achieving a “win-win” for both humans and animals. Conclusion In 2017, Hong Kong stands at an excellent starting point to expand the connotations of animal welfare and innovate social service models. The development of animal-assisted therapy not only opens a new healing window for the elderly, children, and patients in need but also sends a message to the entire society: animals are not just subjects to be protected; they can become active partners in building a better society. This requires vision, planning, and investment. We call on the Hong Kong SAR government to adopt an open and proactive attitude, taking on the role of a system builder to unite the community’s scattered sparks into a vast galaxy of professional opportunities. Investing in this initiative is an investment in a more caring, intelligent future where humans and animals harmoniously coexist in Hong Kong. Let us join hands, not only in providing shelter for animals but also in inviting them to co-author the next warm chapter of this city.

In January 2015, Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) launched a three-year trial program for stray dogs known as “Trap-Neuter-Return” (TNR) in cooperation with two animal welfare organizations, specifically in Cheung Chau and Yuen Long. By 2017, this highly scrutinized trial had reached its midpoint. It not only serves as a test of a humane management model but also as a crucial exploration of whether Hong Kong can establish a scientific, effective, and empathetic system for managing stray animals. At this 2017 juncture, conducting an objective mid-term scientific evaluation and examining the core issue of “community participation” is vital for optimizing policy and planning for the future. Conclusion In 2017, the pilot projects in Cheung Chau and Tai Tong are at a critical transitional stage. The mid-term evaluation should not merely serve to label the program as a “success” or “failure”; its deeper value lies in accumulating precious, locally evidence-based scientific data and social experience for Hong Kong. We call on the AFCD to share the mid-term scientific data and observations of the program with society in an open and transparent manner, regardless of whether they indicate accomplishments or setbacks. At the same time, we urge the government to demonstrate the courage for policy innovation by confronting and beginning to study the conflicts between existing laws and modern animal welfare management principles, preparing for any future policy adjustments. This exploratory path is bound to be challenging, but it points toward a more humane, scientific, and community-wise future. Only by steadfastly adhering to scientific principles and being community-focused can Hong Kong carve out its own civilized path in the complex issue of stray animal management.

Recently, society has expressed distress and outrage over several tragedies involving neglect of animals, once again exposing the serious flaws in Hong Kong’s animal protection laws. The current “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance,” established in the 1930s, has always been centered on “punishment after the fact”: the law can only intervene after abusive behavior occurs and can be proven to have been done “intentionally” to inflict unnecessary suffering. This framework is often powerless against the immense suffering experienced by animals due to ignorance, indifference, or long-term neglect — such as lack of proper diet and shelter, untreated illness, or long-term confinement that robs them of their nature. The law has become a belated “cleaner,” unable to fulfill its role as a proactive “guardian.” To reverse this predicament, the fundamental approach lies in promoting a paradigm shift in the law from “preventing cruelty” to “ensuring welfare.” Among these changes, the introduction of the principle of “due diligence” is widely regarded as a key step toward reform. However, the transplantation of this legal concept is far from a simple matter of “transcribing words”; its success depends on whether we can achieve detailed, practical, and forward-looking legislative preparation at this critical juncture in 2017. Conclusion 2017 is a critically important year for the modernization of Hong Kong’s animal welfare law. The introduction of the principle of “due diligence” is a complex legal endeavor whose success hinges on details. We urge the Hong Kong government to demonstrate decisiveness, to invest professional resources immediately, and to conduct in-depth, transparent legislative technical preparation work. At the same time, we call on Legislative Council members and all sectors of society to pay close attention to and participate actively in this process, providing rational suggestions. Only through meticulous preparation based on scientific principles can we successfully translate this noble legal concept into a solid shield protecting every life in Hong Kong, truly achieving a civilizational leap from “not abusing” to “protecting welfare.”