Cruelty to animals is a serious offense. According to Hong Kong Law Chapter 169, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, acts of cruelty towards animals include cruelly beating, kicking, ill-treating, tormenting, infuriating, or terrifying any animal, or causing any animal unnecessary suffering by any act (or omission) that is wanton or unreasonable. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of HK$200,000 and imprisonment for three years. As defined by the Ordinance, an "animal" includes any mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, or any other vertebrate or invertebrate, whether wild or domesticated.
If a member of the public witnesses an act of cruel abuse towards an animal, please go immediately to the nearest police station or call 999 to report the crime.
If a member of the public witnesses an inhumane act towards an animal, and the act does not meet the legal standard of "cruel abuse" as defined by the ordinance, you may contact our organization by completing the following electronic form. Please include relevant photos, videos, the location of the incident, and information about the person(s) involved in the inhumane treatment.
Upon receiving a report, our organization will take a statement from you via telephone, email, or an in-person interview. If an investigation confirms the allegation, depending on the severity of the situation, we will issue an advisory letter, warning letter, or letter of condemnation to the relevant person(s), along with written suggestions for improvement. If a case involves potential criminal elements, our organization will advise the reporter to report the case to the police instead. Sample Letter
(Please note: This form is only applicable for acts that do not meet the legal standard of "cruel abuse" as defined in Chapter 169, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance. If cruel abuse is involved, please go immediately to the nearest police station or call 999 to report the crime.)
1. If the situation is urgent or an animal's life is in immediate danger, please call 999 to report to the police immediately.
2. All personal data will be used solely for our organization's investigation and follow-up purposes and will be handled in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
3. Our organization reserves the right to decide, based on the circumstances, whether to follow up on, refer, or close a case.
