Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is the Hong Kong government agency responsible for overseeing agriculture, fisheries, nature conservation, and animal management. Recent news highlights the AFCD's involvement in several pressing issues. Wild boar encounters, like the recent incident at Wu Kai Sha MTR station, necessitate the AFCD's response in managing wildlife and public safety. The department also faces scrutiny regarding its animal quarantine policies, particularly the 120-day requirement for pets entering from certain regions, prompting calls for relaxation. Overcrowding and littering at campsites in country parks have led the AFCD to consider implementing a new booking system and increase enforcement. The department defended its handling of visitor flows during the Lunar New Year holiday, despite concerns. Finally, the discovery of a decomposed whale carcass in Sai Kung triggered an AFCD investigation, underscoring its role in marine conservation and wildlife monitoring. These events demonstrate the AFCD's diverse responsibilities and the challenges it faces in balancing conservation, public safety, and animal welfare in Hong Kong.