Pet hospice services company in Kwai Chung convicted for illegal installation of cremators

     A company providing pet hospice services in Kwai Chung, Goodbye Dear Company Limited, was convicted and fined by Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (April 2) for contravening the Air Pollution Control (Furnaces, Ovens and Chimneys) (Installation and Alteration) Regulations. The company was fined $10,000, plus a daily fine totalling $4,800, making a final total of $14,800, for illegal installation of cremators for cremating pet carcasses.

     In relation to air pollution caused by private companies providing pet hospice services, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) found a crematorium for cremating pet carcasses installed in a pet hospice services company in Wing Loi Industrial Building, 8-14 Wing Lap Street, during a proactive inspection of the area in Kwai Chung in September last year. After investigating and gathering evidence, the EPD confirmed that the total fuel consumption rate of the cremators exceeded the statutory limit. Moreover, the company had not obtained approval from the EPD before the installation of the cremators as required by law. The EPD prosecuted the company involved under the Air Pollution Control (Furnaces, Ovens and Chimneys) (Installation and Alteration) Regulations.

     A spokesman reminded all pet hospice services organisations that they should submit an application to the EPD and obtain approval from the department prior to installing any furnaces (including pet cremators) with a conventional liquid fuel consumption rate exceeding the exempted limit of 25 litres per hour in total. The organisations must adopt a proper design for the furnace, air pollution control as well as exhaust systems that meet the requirements of the department. Moreover, the relevant organisations must adopt effective air pollution control equipment during operation to avoid causing air pollution and nuisance to the public.

     Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and a daily fine of $500 may be imposed for a continuing offence.