Opinion | Let Hong Kong dogs have day, but keep the public safe

In striking a balance between the devotion of pet owners and the public interest, the latter must prevail. That is reflected in strict quarantine rules for cats and dogs entering Hong Kong.

This may result in long periods of separation that can be heartbreaking for pet lovers. Worse, it may lead to temptation to get around quarantine – and avoid costs – by importing animals illegally, exposing the community to potential danger.

However, thanks to advances in biotechnology, the government is close to approving new rules that will substantially shorten quarantine periods without endangering public health.

At present, pets arriving from places considered high-risk, such as the mainland, Macau and Malaysia, must undergo 120 days of quarantine. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said one reason for shortening it was that it would mean owners would be less likely to resort to illegal means.

Hong Kong has one of the world’s strictest quarantine regimes for pet cats and dogs. As a result, no local cases of rabies have been recorded since 1987.

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