Concerning recent public requests on adopting greyhounds from the closing Canidrome Club in Macao, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has conducted a risk assessment on importation of the dogs and agreed with the Macao Authority on a special arrangement for importation of the greyhounds concerned by Hong Kong residents while ensuring that public and animal health in Hong Kong is not compromised.
According to the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations (Cap 139A) and the Rabies Regulation (Cap 421A), any person who imports a live animal into Hong Kong must obtain a special permit from the AFCD in advance to prevent introduction of animal diseases into Hong Kong and safeguard public health. For importation of dogs and cats, the AFCD classifies places into three groups based on the different risk of rabies. In determining the above classification, the AFCD has taken into consideration the information about the surveillance and control of animal diseases provided by the World Organisation for Animal Health and other relevant factors.
Macao is currently categorised as a Group III place for importing dogs. Applicants must apply for a special permit from the AFCD in advance and submit a valid dog immunisation record to register for the quarantine facility on a first-come, first-served basis. An applicant will only be allowed to import the dog into Hong Kong upon successful completion of all importation requirements. Due to the strong demand, the waiting time for the quarantine facility for dogs is currently around four to five months. Dogs and cats imported from any Group III country/place are subject to quarantine of at least 120 days at a quarantine facility. Since the Canidrome Club will close on July 21 this year and citizens interested in adopting those dogs will not have sufficient time to complete the procedures of importing dogs into Hong Kong, the following special arrangement will be implemented by the AFCD to assist applicants interested in adoption.
According to the agreement between Hong Kong and Macao, greyhounds to be imported into Hong Kong must be vaccinated against rabies, as well as other infectious diseases including canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and canine parvovirus by official veterinarians with records. The dogs must also undergo blood sampling on the rabies antibody level conducted by the Macao Authority for submission to an AFCD approved laboratory for testing. If the antibody level meets the AFCD's requirement, applicants shall then arrange for the dogs to stay within the territory of Macao for not less than 90 days after the blood test. Applicants must also obtain export health certificates issued by the Macao Authority.
Applicants shall submit the report on the rabies antibody level and the vaccination record of each dog to the AFCD on or before August 31 this year to apply for the special permit. The dogs shall comply with the terms stated in the special permit when arriving in Hong Kong and undergo a home quarantine for no less than 30 days.
For any enquiries, please contact the AFCD at 2150 7141 or email fopc2@afcd.gov.hk.
The AFCD appeals to citizens planning to keep a pet to adopt rather than purchase. To ensure good animal welfare, the public should think twice before keeping a pet, and consider if their living environment, lifestyle, household situation and more are suitable for pets, and whether they are prepared to take responsibility for the pet for life.
Follow this news feed: East Asia