Latest news with #AFCD
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
AFCD bridging nations through art & fashion
Ashraf Siddiqui The second edition of Art, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy (AFCD), led by its founder and patron and hosted in partnership with Aljasra Cultural Club Doha, once again shone a spotlight on hidden gems within the diplomatic community. The captivating exhibition featured over 100 inspiring artworks, including pieces by 15 spouses, four daughters of ambassadors, and Ambassador Erika of Austria, highlighting the richness of cultural diversity. The event also embraced heritage by showcasing Qatar's UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Traditions, making it a unique celebration of cross-cultural dialogue. Throughout the evening, guests were treated to a beautiful blend of art, music, and heritage. Musical performances by couple artists Natalia and Radu added a magical atmosphere to the gathering, enriching the experience for all. Through its unique mix of artistic expression and cultural exchange, AFCD reaffirmed its role as a pivotal platform for nurturing connections across nations. It celebrated the richness of shared heritage and offered a rare glimpse into the creative talents that often remain hidden within the diplomatic circle — a reminder of the unifying power of culture and the arts.
HKFP
2 days ago
- HKFP
AI surveillance cameras helped prosecute 6 people for monkey feeding, Hong Kong gov't says
Hong Kong authorities used evidence from AI surveillance cameras installed last year to prosecute six people for monkey feeding, a government conservation officer has said. Security cameras installed at the car park at Kam Shan Country Park, known as 'Monkey Hill' for being one of the main areas where wild monkeys live, can detect interactions between humans and the animals, Senior Fauna Conservation Officer Shek Chung-tong said on RTHK on Thursday. The AI surveillance system sends notifications to officers at the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) when it detects that humans and wild monkeys are in close proximity. Shek explained that wild monkeys normally would not approach humans unless someone was feeding them. Depending on their location, officers can arrive at the site in as little as five minutes after receiving a notification. Since the installation last year, the AFCD has successfully prosecuted six people for monkey feeding thanks to the AI cameras, Shek said. Three other cases are still under investigation. Since the maximum penalty for feeding wild animals was raised last August – along with the introduction of a HK$5,000 fixed penalty – the monkey feeding situation has 'greatly improved,' he said. 'Overall, there has been a rather significant improvement in illegal monkey feeding over the years,' Shek said in Cantonese. According to the AFCD's website, there are around 2,000 wild monkeys in Hong Kong found in areas including the Kam Shan, Lion Rock, and Shing Mun Country Parks. The AFCD said the wild monkey population had 'increased dramatically' over the years due to human feeding. Some monkeys have become 'fearless' and would snatch plastic bags from visitors in search of food, the department's website reads. Shek said on Thursday that the AFCD is considering installing AI surveillance system at another car park in Kam Shan Country Park later this year and expanding the functions to detect wild boar feeding. He added that the department may also set up mobile monitoring systems at locations where feeding of feral pigeons is rampant.
South China Morning Post
29-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong ombudsman probes oversight of tourist facilities at nature spots
Hong Kong's ombudsman is assessing the management of tourist facilities at local nature spots, with the investigation aiming to enhance the city's green tourism push. The Office of the Ombudsman said on Thursday that its investigation was prompted by media reports that essential amenities, such as toilets, were often inadequate, and that the information for transport and other facilities was frequently outdated or hard to find in nature areas. Complaints had surfaced about the slow progress of maintenance efforts and the lack of resources, such as delays in repairing rain shelters and the lack of publicity for visitor centres, it said. The investigation will examine the work of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and other related bodies in managing and maintaining the ancillary tourist facilities. It will also assess the dissemination of information on hiking activities and outdoor facilities. 'Proper management of countryside ancillary tourist facilities not only helps protect the safety of hikers and visitors but also enhances the outdoor experience for members of the public and tourists, thereby strengthening Hong Kong's appeal as a green tourism hotspot,' Ombudsman Jack Chan Jick-chi said. Chan said that problems such as rubbish accumulation and traffic congestion had emerged during the recent Labour Day golden week holiday, when many locals and tourists visited the city's mountains and country parks.
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Deep Dive: Hong Kong's consumer watchdog finds pets bought online likely to have more health problems
Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what's happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page. News: Hong Kong vets report higher rates of poor health for online-bought cats, dogs Hong Kong veterinarians are reporting higher rates of poor health among online-bought cats and dogs compared with those purchased at physical stores, the Consumer Council has said. The council suspected that nearly all the internet-based canine sellers it had checked were involved in illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding. In a report published earlier this month, the city's consumer watchdog said it had conducted a study alongside the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The two organisations surveyed registered veterinarians and targeted 18 online platforms in a mystery shopper operation. 'The survey results found that more cats and dogs purchased online were in poor health, with a significantly higher proportion than those purchased from physical pet shops,' said Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the council's research and testing committee. On average, five out of every 10 dogs and 5.5 out of every 10 cats bought online and presented for veterinary care were sick or in poor condition. The rates were 3.3 for dogs and 3.9 for cats bought at physical pet shops. The most common diseases faced by online-bought pets included upper respiratory infections, diarrhoea and the canine parvovirus. Hong Kong's annual Dogathon raises HK$2.2 million for animal welfare The study also showed that the eight most common diseases in canines were found more in dogs bought online than those purchased at stores. The common disease prevalence rates for the former ranged from 52 to 86 per cent, compared with the latter's range of 29 to 78 per cent. Cats purchased online had higher rates of common feline illnesses, such as cat flu and skin infections. Feline panleukopenia, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, affected 61.9 per cent of online-purchased cats, compared with 31.4 per cent of those from pet shops. The survey of veterinarians also found that more than 90 per cent of cats and dogs purchased online lacked vaccination cards. Some owners presented documents that lacked signatures from accredited professionals and were only in simplified Chinese. Some sellers claimed their dogs had received their jabs on the mainland. They suggested customers give the animals 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. In addition, pets bought online were more unlikely to match the descriptions of ages and breeds given to their owners than those purchased at stores. Staff writers Question prompts 1. What did Hong Kong's Consumer Council discover about pets bought online? (1) They were more expensive than pets bought from physical stores. (2) They were more aggressive than store-bought pets. (3) They were more likely to be in poor health. (4) They were more likely to be a different breed or age than what was advertised. A. (1), (2) only B. (2), (4) only C. (1), (3) only D. (3), (4) only 2. Using News, name TWO activities the Consumer Council suspects most online pet sellers of doing. 3. How does the health and documentation of cats and dogs purchased online compare with those bought at physical pet stores? Explain using News and Glossary. Photo A veterinarian makes an injection of a vaccine to a pet cat. Photo: Shutterstock Question prompts 1. According to News, why is proper vaccination particularly important for pets purchased online? 2. What potential health risks are associated with buying a cat from an online seller? Explain using News and Glossary. Issue: Survey finds problematic sales tactics among online pet sellers Operation reached out to 13 social media accounts selling dogs; only one could provide documentation None of the sellers provided contracts to ensure they would honour their promises A recent mystery shopper operation by Hong Kong's Consumer Council has raised suspicions that 90 per cent of online pet sellers were smuggling in animals from mainland China or operating unlicensed local breeding or trading businesses. The operation involved reaching out to 13 social media accounts that appeared to sell dogs. Among the sellers contacted, five claimed their dogs came from breeding farms or kennels on the mainland, with some vendors saying delivery to Hong Kong could take one to two days. Five of the sellers identified themselves as Hong Kong-based 'private breeders'. Three of the vendors claimed they had local dog breeding licences. Among those three, only one was able to provide a 'yellow paper', or a dog breeder's declaration – a legal document issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The other two gave various reasons for being unable to share the documents, such as claiming that the papers were missing or that their site was awaiting a government inspection or undergoing processing. The five sellers claiming to offer mainland-bred dogs and the five claiming to be local private breeders were unable to provide any proof of legal origin or relevant documentation for their canines. The report also revealed that dogs sold online generally lacked microchips. Only three of the vendors claiming to be local dog breeders said their canines were or would be microchipped. Some of the vendors offering mainland-bred dogs falsely claimed their pets could not be microchipped before being transported to the city. Others claimed that dogs privately bred in Hong Kong were not typically microchipped. InfoSpark: How to be respectful of dogs in Hong Kong While 11 of the 13 sellers offered a health guarantee period, the details of the policies varied or were unclear. None of the sellers provided contracts or justifications to ensure they would honour their promises. The council also noted concerning sales tactics, such as only responding with voice messages, deleting photos or videos if buyers needed time to think and pressuring customers into making quick transactions by claiming demand was high. The watchdog urged consumers to consider adopting pets, avoid buying animals of unknown origin online, and to patronise reputable licensed animal traders. Residents should also learn more about a pet's health before buying it. The AFCD said that pets bought online carried risks due to owners' inability to assess the animals' real condition and past living environment, as well as the potential promotion of unlicensed breeding and smuggling. Staff writer Question prompts 1. According to Issue, which of the following problems were identified by the Consumer Council regarding online dog sellers? (1) Most sellers surveyed were suspected of smuggling or unlicensed breeding. (2) The majority of dogs sold online were microchipped before transport. (3) Sellers often failed to provide legal documentation proving the dogs' origins. (4) Most sellers were in mainland China. A. (1), (3) only B. (2), (4) only C. (2), (3) only D. (3), (4) only 2. List TWO problematic sales tactics used by online pet sellers. 3. What are the risks of buying a pet online, and what does the Consumer Council recommend doing instead? Explain using News, Issue and Glossary. Photo A group of animal rights supporters dressed in dog costumes gather outside Central Plaza. Photo: May Tse Question prompts 1. What message is being conveyed in the photo? 2. To what extent do you agree that Hongkongers should adopt pets instead of buying from online pet sellers? Explain using News, Issue and your own knowledge. Glossary canine parvovirus: a highly contagious virus in dogs that causes severe stomach illness. It is often life-threatening, especially for puppies. feline panleukopenia: a contagious and often fatal virus in cats. It is also known as feline distemper and affects the immune system, stomach and intestines. microchips: small electronic devices implanted under a pet's skin. The chip gives the animal a unique identification number. If the pet gets lost, the chip can be scanned to find the owner's contact information. reputable: having a good reputation; trustworthy Online pet sellers can be very problematic, so it's best to avoid them. Photo: Shutterstock Sample answers News 1. D 2. illegal smuggling and unlicensed breeding 3. According to the Consumer Council's report, cats and dogs bought online were in significantly poorer health than those purchased from physical stores. On average, 5 out of 10 dogs and 5.5 out of 10 cats bought online were sick or in poor condition, compared to 3.3 dogs and 3.9 cats from pet shops. Additionally, over 90 per cent of online-bought pets lacked valid vaccination cards, with some documentation missing professional signatures or written only in simplified Chinese. (accept all reasonable answers) Photo 1. Vaccination is especially important because although some sellers claim their dogs had received vaccinations on the mainland, they still advise buyers to get 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. This raises concerns about whether the animals received any vaccinations in the first place or if they haven't received them all. (accept all reasonable answers) 2. Cats bought from online sellers were more likely to suffer from serious health issues such as cat flu, skin infections, and feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. These risks are heightened due to the lack of proper vaccinations and incomplete or falsified health records provided by many online sellers. Issue 1. A 2. Many online sellers use problematic sales tactics such as only responding with voice messages, deleting photos or videos if buyers ask for time to think and pressuring customers into making quick transactions by claiming demand is high. (accept all reasonable answers) 3. According to the AFCD, online pet purchases carry significant risks due to poor health transparency, difficulty tracing sellers, and the promotion of illegal breeding and smuggling. People are urged to avoid buying pets of unknown origin online, adopt pets from shelters, and support licensed traders. Photo 1. The message encourages people to adopt animals instead of supporting breeders. 2. To a large extent, I agree that people should adopt pets instead of buying from breeders, especially online sellers. Many online sellers are suspected of illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding, and animals sold this way are often in poor health, lacking proper documentation, vaccinations, and microchipping. Buying from such breeders can support unethical practices and increase the risk of adopting sick or misrepresented pets. Adoption, on the other hand, helps reduce demand for irresponsible breeding and gives animals in need a chance at a better life. (accept all reasonable answers)
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Spark Deep Dive: Hong Kong vets report more health problems for dogs, cats bought online
Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what's happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page. News: Hong Kong vets report higher rates of poor health for online-bought cats, dogs Hong Kong veterinarians are reporting higher rates of poor health among online-bought cats and dogs compared with those purchased at physical stores, the Consumer Council has said. The council suspected that nearly all the internet-based canine sellers it had checked were involved in illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding. In a report published earlier this month, the city's consumer watchdog said it had conducted a study alongside the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The two organisations surveyed registered veterinarians and targeted 18 online platforms in a mystery shopper operation. 'The survey results found that more cats and dogs purchased online were in poor health, with a significantly higher proportion than those purchased from physical pet shops,' said Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the council's research and testing committee. On average, five out of every 10 dogs and 5.5 out of every 10 cats bought online and presented for veterinary care were sick or in poor condition. The rates were 3.3 for dogs and 3.9 for cats bought at physical pet shops. The most common diseases faced by online-bought pets included upper respiratory infections, diarrhoea and the canine parvovirus. The study also showed that the eight most common diseases in canines were found more in dogs bought online than those purchased at stores. The common disease prevalence rates for the former ranged from 52 to 86 per cent, compared with the latter's range of 29 to 78 per cent. Cats purchased online had higher rates of common feline illnesses, such as cat flu and skin infections. Feline panleukopenia, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, affected 61.9 per cent of online-purchased cats, compared with 31.4 per cent of those from pet shops. The survey of veterinarians also found that more than 90 per cent of cats and dogs purchased online lacked vaccination cards. Some owners presented documents that lacked signatures from accredited professionals and were only in simplified Chinese. Some sellers claimed their dogs had received their jabs on the mainland. They suggested customers give the animals 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. In addition, pets bought online were more unlikely to match the descriptions of ages and breeds given to their owners than those purchased at stores. Staff writer Questions 1. What did Hong Kong's Consumer Council discover about pets bought online? (1) They were more expensive than pets bought from physical stores. (2) They were more aggressive than store-bought pets. (3) They were more likely to be in poor health. (4) They were more likely to be a different breed or age than what was advertised. A. (1), (2) only B. (2), (4) only C. (1), (3) only D. (3), (4) only 2. Using the news, name TWO activities the Consumer Council suspects most online pet sellers of doing. 3. Based on the Consumer Council's report, how does the health and documentation of cats and dogs purchased online compare with those bought at physical pet stores? Explain using the news and glossary. Photo A vet prepares to give a cat a vaccine. Photo: Shutterstock Question prompts 1. According to the news, why is proper vaccination particularly important for pets purchased online? 2. What potential health risks are associated with buying a cat from an online seller? Explain using the news and glossary. Glossary smuggling: to transport things, animals or people somewhere secretly and often illegally mystery shopper: someone employed to test the service of a business by pretending to be a normal customer canine parvovirus: a highly contagious virus in dogs that causes severe stomach illness. It is often life-threatening, especially for puppies. feline panleukopenia: a contagious and often fatal virus in cats. It is also known as feline distemper and affects the immune system, stomach and intestines. Sample answers News 1. D 2. illegal smuggling and unlicensed breeding 3. According to the Consumer Council's report, cats and dogs bought online were in significantly poorer health than those purchased from physical stores. On average, 5 out of 10 dogs and 5.5 out of 10 cats bought online were sick or in poor condition, compared to 3.3 dogs and 3.9 cats from pet shops. Additionally, over 90 per cent of online-bought pets lacked valid vaccination cards, with some documentation missing professional signatures or written only in simplified Chinese. (accept all reasonable answers) Photo 1. Vaccination is especially important because although some sellers claim their dogs had received vaccinations on the mainland, they still advise buyers to get 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. This raises concerns about whether the animals received any vaccinations in the first place or if they haven't received them all. (accept all reasonable answers) 2. Cats bought from online sellers were more likely to suffer from serious health issues such as cat flu, skin infections, and feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. These risks are heightened due to the lack of proper vaccinations and incomplete or falsified health records provided by many online sellers.
