Press Releases

AFCD Animal Management and Animal Welfare Building Complex opens
Thursday, November 21, 2024

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) held the opening ceremony of the Animal Management and Animal Welfare Building Complex in Kai Tak today (November 21). The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Ms Irene Young; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; and the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Michael Li, officiated at the ceremony.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Tse noted that the Complex provides about 270 animal-keeping facilities to receive stray animals or animals surrendered by their owners, more than double the number of the former To Kwa Wan site. Also, more animal quarantine facilities will be provided to shorten the waiting time for people booking quarantine facilities for imported animals. With the Complex commencing operation, the AFCD will further enhance its effectiveness in protecting and promoting animal welfare, controlling local animal diseases, safeguarding public health and implementing animal management measures.

Mr Tse added, "The AFCD has reached a consensus with the Macao Special Administrative Region on the quarantine arrangements of imported cats and dogs. Starting from December 1, the quarantine period of cats and dogs imported from Macao will be reduced from current 120 days to 30 days, provided that they meet the requirements for rabies vaccination and rabies antibody titre testing, etc. Together with shortening the 15-month waiting period for quarantine facilities, the time required for quarantine arrangements will be significantly shortened. The new measures uphold the Government's principles of stringently controlling rabies, while using technology to address public demands. The AFCD will announce details on November 26. I look forward to gradually extending the new arrangements to other regions in Group III, further helping pet owners to bring their cats and dogs to Hong Kong."

The Animal Management and Animal Welfare Building Complex has been designed with sustainable development as its goal, incorporating multiple green features. The Kowloon Animal Management Centre at the Complex was first commissioned in late July to provide dog vaccination and licensing services to the public, while divisions responsible for animal welfare and animal disease testing will also gradually relocate to the Complex.

In addition, the AFCD will regularly organise animal welfare talks and public education activities at the Complex to promote animal welfare to the public. For details, please visit www.pets.gov.hk.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department held the opening ceremony of the Animal Management and Animal Welfare Building Complex in Kai Tak today (November 21). Photo shows the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan (centre); the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Ms Irene Young (third right); the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai (third left); the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Michael Li (second right), and other guests at the opening ceremony.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department held the opening ceremony of the Animal Management and Animal Welfare Building Complex in Kai Tak today (November 21). Photo shows the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, delivering a speech at the opening ceremony.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) held the opening ceremony of the Animal Management and Animal Welfare Building Complex in Kai Tak today (November 21). Photo shows the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan (second right); the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Ms Irene Young (second left); and the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai (first left), visiting a modernised laboratory at the Complex and being briefed by an AFCD officer on the department's work in animal disease detection and related research and development.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) held the opening ceremony of the Animal Management and Animal Welfare Building Complex in Kai Tak today (November 21). Photo shows the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan (second right), the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Ms Irene Young (first right), and other guests being briefed by an AFCD officer on the department's public education work in relation to animal welfare.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department held the opening ceremony of the Animal Management and Animal Welfare Building Complex in Kai Tak today (November 21). Photo shows animal quarantine facilities at the Complex.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department held the opening ceremony of the Animal Management and Animal Welfare Building Complex in Kai Tak today (November 21). Photo shows the Kowloon Animal Management Centre, which provides dog vaccination and licensing services to the public.

The Animal Management and Animal Welfare Building Complex is located at 16 Shing Yau Street, Kai Tak. The Animal Management and Animal Welfare Building Complex has been designed with sustainable development as its goal, incorporating multiple green features, including solar panels and a green roof. The Complex was awarded a Gold Rating at the Provisional Assessment Stage under the BEAM Plus New Buildings by the Hong Kong Green Building Council.

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