Hong Kong to strengthen police coordination in animal abuse cases

Hong Kong's conservation officers will strengthen coordination with police to investigate suspected animal abuse cases. Following an ombudsman's report that found existing procedures ineffective, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) plans to work more closely with law enforcement agencies. The joint operations will allow for increased efficiency in investigating cases where private premises need to be entered. According to Jackie Yip Yin, an assistant director of the AFCD, these operations will focus on higher-risk cases where animal abuse is suspected. Police investigative expertise will be utilized in carrying out these joint operations, rather than granting AFCD staff the power to enter flats unilaterally. The new approach aims to improve the effectiveness of investigations into animal abuse cases.