Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ7: Poisoning dogs

Following is a question by the Hon Leung Yiu-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, in the Legislative Council today (February 4):

Question:

It was reported that there were recently a number of incidents in which dogs died after eating poisonous rat baits placed recklessly by members of the public in public places. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether there is any legislation regulating the use of poisonous rat baits by the public; if so, of the details of the relevant statutory provisions and whether they apply to the above incidents; if such provisions are not applicable, of the legislation in place to deal with such incidents; and

(b) of the government department responsible for investigating such incidents, as well as the relevant enforcement and prosecution procedures?

Reply:

(a) The Pesticides Ordinance (Cap. 133) regulates the manufacture, import, supply, storage and sale of all pesticides, including rodenticide, in the territory, through registration of pesticides, licensing of pesticide dealers and requirements for labelling and packaging of pesticides. The main purpose of the Ordinance is to safeguard human health by precluding the availability of those highly toxic pesticides from members of the public. Furthermore, to enable safe and proper use of pesticides, pesticide products for sale to the public are required to label clearly the following information under the existing legislative framework:

* the word "Poison";
* the expression "Keep out of reach of children";
* instructions on the manner in which the pesticide is to be used together with the precautionary measures to be taken when applying the pesticide; and
* the antidote and first-aid action to be taken in the case of poisoning.

Rodent disinfestations in public places are generally conducted by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. The staff carry out the work in accordance with the rodent control technical guidelines issued by the department. Warning notices are posted in conspicuous sites where poisonous baits have been laid to prevent accidents of poisoning.

(b) There are no laws regulating individual's use of pesticides for the purpose of pest control at present and hence the question of enforcement does not arise. As regards intentional dog poisoning, the Police will initiate investigation upon receipt of such reports. Investigative actions include collecting evidence at the scene, locating eyewitnesses and making other enquiries that may reveal useful clues. Should there be evidence to suggest that any person has deliberately left rodenticides or other poisons to poison dogs, the Police will arrest and charge the person with the offence of "destroying or damaging property" under the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200).

Ends/Wednesday, February 4, 2004
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