The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has completed a feasibility study on the ISO microchips for pets and suggested introducing the chips in addition to the existing AVID microchips.
Considering the widespread use of ISO chips around the globe and the positive reactions from relevant stakeholders -- including licensed animal traders, animal welfare organizations, pet transport agents, veterinary clinics, and related institutions -- the Undersecretary for Environment and Ecology Diane Wong Shuk-han stated the government plans to consult the relevant Legislative Council Panel on the proposal in the second quarter of this year.
If the panel supports the proposal, the government will submit proposed amendments to the related subsidiary legislation in a timely manner.
Wong's statement followed the suggestion from the lawmaker Maggie Chan Man-ki, who stressed the need for the city to study enhancements to pet-friendly legislation to expand the pet economy to diversify the local economy and encourage more consumer spending.
Lack of progress on pet access to restaurants
While acknowledging changes in society's culture to bring animals to different premises or even restaurants, Wong pointed out that the city's restaurants typically have limited space, where diverse reactions of dogs and their potential impacts on other diners need to be considered.
She reiterated that the government has always promoted pet-friendly policies, but various factors needed to be evaluated, including the nature of individual facilities, the adequacy of supporting measures, and social acceptance, in order to balance the views while addressing public needs.
The department is currently conducting research on practices and experiences in other places with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the possibility of relaxing relevant restrictions will be carefully assessed, according to Wong.
Meanwhile, lawmaker Gary Chan Hak-kan questioned the progress regarding pet access to the restaurants, noting the government had promised a review a year ago.
Wong cited a mixed reaction to bringing the pets into restaurants, assuring that the study would be completed promptly and that follow-up actions would be taken as necessary.
