RTHK 32's Hong Kong United 凝聚香港 interviewed Mr Gordon Chan on a disturbing recent discovery of a shop selling cat and dog meats under the guise of "M-meat" and "G-meat".
A recent news article reported that an apparently legit shop in Yau Ma Tei on Reclamation Street sells cat and dog meats as “M-meat” and “G-meat”. In the interview with RTHK 32’s Hong Kong United 凝聚香港, Mr Gordon Chan talked about the broad prohibitions related to the consumption of cats and dogs under the Dogs and Cats Ordinance (Cap 167).
It is a severe crime to slaughter cats or dogs. However, purchasing for self-consumption or even for someone else is prohibited.
A broad scope of related activities is prohibited under the Dogs and Cats Regulations (Cap 167A). These include slaughtering, selling, buying, using, cooking or eating. Most importantly, under s 22(3) of the regulation, anyone caught possessing the carcass of any cats and dogs which appeared to have been obtained in contravention of the regulation will have the reverse burden to show that they did not commit an offence. Note also that the innards of the animal are also within the prohibition.
On the other hand, these offences will typically attract a deterrent sentence, including imprisonment.
In 香港特別行政區 訴 劉立基及另三人 [2007] 3 HKLRD 273 concerning the slaughtering of two dogs for food, the court held that a starting point of 6-8 weeks’ immediate imprisonment was appropriate.
Also, in 香港特別行政區 訴 張顯明 [2022] HKCFI 1417 concerning an attempt to use the innards of a dog as food, a man was sentenced to 5 days’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.
Using cats and dogs as food is frowned upon in Hong Kong. Activities related to it are serious matters which could result in immediate imprisonment.
Gordon Chan, Esq
Barrister-at-law, Archbold Hong Kong Editor on Public Health, and Member of the Bar Association's Committee on Criminal Law and Procedure. Specialised in medical, technology and criminal law.
