Legislative Council Question 11: Environment and Ecology Bureau Replies on Keeping Animals in Ornamental Pools

Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan replied in writing to the Legislative Council that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Housing Department do not keep statistics on the number of pools originally designed for ornamental purposes that are in practice used for keeping aquatic animals, and that the Government also does not maintain data on pools in private properties. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has provided practical guidelines to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Housing Department and property management companies across Hong Kong, covering water quality, filtration and aeration systems and animal welfare matters. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, improper release causing unnecessary suffering to animals is an offence, punishable by a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for 3 years.