Over the past few months, there have been a number of wild animals being injured by animal traps. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) told the World Dog Alliance (WDA) that some animals had to receive amputation. Their clinics have been receiving more and more wild animals injured by traps. SPCA found the situation worrying. 

Animal traps have been banned in Hong Kong many years ago. SPCA and WDA suspect that there may be smuggling. After investigation, various kinds of animal traps can be easily purchased on Taobao, the largest online shopping platform in mainland China. Some sellers even claim that animal traps can be delivered to Hong Kong. 

WDA believes that some people bought and shipped animal traps to Hong Kong through Taobao, which explained the surge in the number of wild animals injured by animal traps. The Customs and Excise Department fails to confiscate animal traps during the customs clearance process.

WDA sought help from Legislator Gary Chan Hak-kan. Gary Chan wrote to Hermes Tang Yi-Hoi, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise on 23 June. In the letter, Gary Chan shared photos of the latest model of animal traps and urged the Customs and Excise Department to pay more attention to such items and close the loophole of animal traps in Hong Kong.

Editor’s Note:

The Customs and Excise Department replied to Gary Chan on 28 June. The Department pledged to exchange information with relevant authorities and stop animal traps at the border. According to the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, no person shall, except in accordance with a special permit, have in his possession any hunting appliance other than a hunting appliance approved by the Director for the purposes of this section by notice in the Gazette, or make a pitfall for the purpose of hunting any wild animal.