MKDIST forms community network
to deal with cruelty to animals
Speaking at a meeting of the Yau Tsim Mong (YTM) District Council on April 26, Commissioner Tsang Wai-hung pointed out that the Force joined hands with other departments and agencies in launching an "Animal Watch Scheme" in October last year. Through the scheme, various stakeholders, including animal lovers, concerned groups and veterinarians, could get together to form a community network to better monitor prevention, investigation and detection of cruelty to animal cases, he said, adding that he advocated implementing the scheme at district level so as to improve the situation concerning cruelty to animals.
In a bid to engage the community and enhance the communication between police and stakeholders, Mong Kok District (MKDIST) hosted an experience-sharing session on June 27 at Mong Kok Police Station for members of YTM District Council, YTM District Fight Crime Committee (DFCC), YTM area committees, Mong Kok Fight Crime Veterans, animal welfare groups and veterinary clinics.
At the invitation of MKDIST, representatives of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), veterinary associations and Support Wing gave briefings on their roles and responsibilities in the "Animal Watch Scheme". The event provided a good opportunity for the participants to exchange views and experience of the issue in question. According to police statistics, there were 73 and 66 reports of animal abuse or negligence in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
At the sharing session, the Chairman of YTM DFCC and representatives of animal welfare groups hoped the police would form an "Animal Cop" team to deal with reports of animal cruelty and negligence by recruiting those police officers who have animal well-being at heart.
MKDIST Commander Peter Cornthwaite informed the forum that his district received five reports of animal abuse or negligence in the 17-month period from January 2011 to May 2012. He reiterated that police would not tolerate any form of animal cruelty and would thoroughly investigate each and every report. Stressing that police would continue to work closely with SPCA, AFCD and all other stakeholders, Mr Cornthwaite urged the community to come forward to report any suspected cases of animal abuse or neglect, adding that such co-operation would help police preserve evidence and apprehend offenders.
Mr Cornthwaite pointed out that apart from handling general crime cases, the MKDIST Crime Support Team has been tasked with the job of dealing wtih animal cruelty cases in a professional manner. The team would also provide liaison for stakeholders in the community network.
Many of the participants welcomed the way MKDIST deals with reports of animal cruelty and negligence and hope other police districts would follow suit.
Mr
Cornthwaite with representatives of SPCA, AFCD, Support Wing and
veterinary associations at the experience sharing session