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Handling Stray Rabbits Throughout last year, the Hong Kong Rabbit Society (“HKRS”) has observed an increase in number of stray rabbits found among the city. It is noticed that when a stray rabbit is found, some of them may be adopted or reported to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (“AFCD”) for further action. However, HKRS has only received 8 cases on stray rabbits referred by the AFCD since January 2015. HKRS believes that such figure does not reflect the actual situation at all which would not arise the attention from the HKSAR on the severity of stray or abandoned rabbits nowadays. Whilst some may still query on the handling of stray animals by AFCD, the actual arrangement has been much improved. Stray rabbits received by AFCD will be kept under air-conditioned environment with hay, and they will be kept away from other animals to ensure that they are secured. Bunnies of referral cases from AFCD to HKRS nowadays are mostly in proper health condition, suggesting a significant improvement comparing to those in the past. In such, HKRS suggests the following measurements if stray or abandoned rabbit(s) is/are found: 1. If you decided to rescue stray rabbit on your own, please ensure your safety as the rabbit may self-defend; 2. After settling down the stray rabbit, please call AFCD at 1823 during daytime (09:00-17:00). You may provide details include the time and venue of the stray rabbit found, features of the rabbit(s) etc. AFCD shall arrange pick up at its earliest convenience. 3. You may as well contact HKRS and provide relevant information. We may assist to contact AFCD for further arrangement if necessary. HKRS is one of the partnering Animal Welfare Organizations aiming in re-home of abandoned/stray animals. After recording and checkup, AFCD will arrange proper referral on rabbits yet to be adopt to HKRS providing necessary medical information for following up purpose. HKRS urges the public to report stray rabbits to AFCD, by all means the actual figures of stray animals could be reflected to raise public awareness and Government’s attention. HKRS anticipates that with education and promotion, abandoning of animals can be prevented. Reference : Department Annual Report 2014-2015 The Department collaborates with partnering Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) in promoting animal welfare and rehoming animals. Free de-sexing services for rehomed animals are provided through these AWOs. The Department also provides financial assistance for AWOs to organise relevant educational and promotional programmes. In this regard, the Department has set aside $1.5 million for application by AWOs in 2014-15 for the enhancement of animal management and promotion of animal welfare. |
