Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Bill 2023 gazetted

     â€‹The Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Bill 2023 (Amendment Bill) was published in the Gazette today (November 17).
      
     The Amendment Bill proposes to expand the scope of the feeding ban to cover feral pigeons, in addition to the current feeding ban on wild animals; increase the maximum penalty for illegal feeding from a fine of $10,000 to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year; and introduce a fixed penalty system for illegal feeding with the amount set at $5,000. In addition, the Amendment Bill proposes to broaden the scope of enforcement officers of the Government to strengthen enforcement.
      
     "Feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons will affect their ability to forage and survive on their own in the wild, and constitute public hygiene and other issues. The Amendment Bill seeks to enhance the deterrent effect in combating illegal feeding activities, enhance the protection of wild animals, as well as safeguard environmental hygiene," a spokesman for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said.
      
     The Amendment Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading on November 29. Subject to their passage, the relevant legislative amendments will take effect on August 1, 2024.