In light of the surge in cases of street animals injured by traps, the World Dog Alliance (WDA) sought help from Legislator Gary Chan Hak-kan, who then wrote to the Customs and Excise Department to raise the issue.

During a meeting at the Legislative Council, Gary Chan asked the Department for a follow-up. Mr. Tam Yat-keung, Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Excise and Strategic Support), replied that the Department will include the latest model of animal traps into their big data system. With the help of big data, animal traps can be detected by X-ray scanners at the borders, and will be seized as illegal items.

Gary Chan said that the number of animal injury cases caused by traps has doubled in the past year. It is believed that those animal traps come from overseas online shopping platforms. Mr. Tam responded that the Department will start online-patrolling. Investigations will be carried out if they find advertisements on animal traps.

The Department of Customs and Excise vows to crack down on animal traps with border examination and online patrols, so as to minimise the chance of wild animals being injured.