702 administrative infractions under animal protection bill
Following the implementation of the Animal Protection Law in September 2016, 702 administrative infractions have been recorded, 75 percent of which involved the absence of licenses issued by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM).
From September 2016 to July 2017, IACM figures showed a 39.5 percent decrease in the number of euthanized canines, and an 85.7 percent decrease in the number of euthanized felines.
The number of canines sent to IACM facilities due to their owners’ inability to keep them decreased to 98 this year, a drop of 167 compared to the same period in the previous year, between September 2015 and July 2016.
IACM’s Chief of Veterinary Inspection and Control, Choi U Fai, told the press that the number of neutered canines had risen to almost 20 percent of the total. He attributed the increase to the reduced license fee, as owners of these canines would only need to pay MOP300 for a three-year license, compared to the previous license fee of MOP900.
“The reason is simple. They enjoy [a] 70 percent discount for licenses [so] people are more encouraged to de-sex their dogs,” he told the press.
Choi also said that animal welfare awareness is increasing in the region, citing the decrease in the number of animals brought under IACM’s care.
“[People] will think twice [before bringing] their dogs and cats to the kennel. One of the reasons is that they have to pay MOP1,000 for each [animal to be euthanized]. The other reason is that they love cats and dogs more than before so [the] education is working,” Choi said.
The use of muzzles was a controversial point highlighted during the discussion of the animal protection bill.
Several associations even called for the removal of a rule that would force pet owners to muzzle their dogs in public places at all times.
Choi said that 745 canines passed the assessment to be exempted from being muzzled or collared, while only three were rejected.
When asked whether IACM would accommodate over 600 greyhounds from the Macau (Yat Yuen) Canidrome when it closes in July next year, Choi noted that IACM has yet to contact the Canidrome regarding the greyhounds’ fate.
IACM will request the Canidrome to propose locations where the canines will be exported, and to clarify whether the greyhounds would be up for adoption by the public.
Choi said that an official letter would be sent this month.
“The dogs belong to the Canidrome so they can decide to give them to anyone. […] We can imagine that more than 600 dogs have to be kept or exported,” Choi explained.
Due to the lack of space at the Kennel Municipal, Choi suggested that there are too many greyhounds for the organization to look after.
“This place is not big enough for all the dogs, so it’s important to know their plan. How will they deal with it? If they have nowhere to go, we will find a place to keep the animals.”
Choi added that they would handle the matter in accordance with the law.
If accepted by the Canidrome, IACM will do its best to ensure these greyhounds are adopted. The bureau will also cooperate with other local animal protection associations interested in finding responsible owners for these dogs.
IACM hopes that the Canidrome will soon reveal its plans for the greyhounds so they can evaluate the proposals, which should comply with animal protection laws. The bureau will also provide inspection and quarantine services for the canines.
For now, Choi said that IACM is conducting regular inspections at the Canidrome to ensure that the greyhounds are well taken care of.
