Press Releases
Public consultation on proposals to amend Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance
The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and
Conservation Department (AFCD) today (September 8) launched a public
consultation on proposed amendments to Schedule 2 of the Veterinary Surgeons
Registration Ordinance (Cap. 529) with a view to keeping the existing
regulatory regime of veterinary practices abreast of the latest
developments. The consultation exercise will last for about two months until
October 31.
A spokesman for FHB said, "Over the years, the veterinary sector has
undergone significant changes as a result of the rapid advancement of
veterinary knowledge and the growing awareness among members of the public
of animal welfare issues. We are keenly aware that the current system of
regulatory control of veterinary practices needs to be kept up to date with
modern developments. In this regard, with advice from the Veterinary
Surgeons Board, the Government has conducted a review of the existing
regulatory regime in Hong Kong and the relevant legislative provisions, with
a view to identifying areas for improvement."
The consultation document sets out the proposals to amend Schedule 2 of Cap.
529 with a view to -
(i) permitting veterinary assistants, veterinary students, and other
individuals to perform certain acts of veterinary surgery and provide
certain veterinary services under the direction and / or supervision of a
registered veterinary surgeon; and
(ii) limiting the veterinary acts which may be performed by animal owners to
certain minor acts.
"We welcome views from the public and stakeholders during the consultation
period. The Government will take the views received into account before
finalising the relevant proposals," the spokesman said.
The consultation document has been uploaded to the FHB website (www.fhb.gov.hk)
and the AFCD website (www.afcd.gov.hk),
and will be available for collection at District Offices later.
Three consultation forums will also be held for members of the public to
express their views. Details of the forums are as follows:
Date: September 14 (Wednesday)
Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Language: English
Target audience: Veterinary professionals (e.g. registered veterinary
surgeons, veterinary assistants and veterinary students)
Venue: Lecture Hall of Hong Kong Science Museum, Tsim Sha Tsui East
Date: September 16 (Friday)
Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Language: Cantonese
Target audience: General public
Venue: Lecture Theatre of Hong Kong Central Library, Causeway Bay
Date: October 4 (Tuesday)
Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Language: Cantonese
Target audience: General public
Venue: Lecture Hall of Hong Kong Science Museum, Tsim Sha Tsui East
A simultaneous interpretation service will be provided in the forums.
Members of the public who are interested may call 2150 6904 during office
hours or email (tsdiq@afcd.gov.hk)
for seat reservations. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served
basis.
Views and comments should be sent to the Technical Services Division,
Inspection and Quarantine Branch of AFCD by post to 5/F, Cheung Sha Wan
Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon; by fax to 2156 0215;
or by email to tsdiq@afcd.gov.hk by
October 31. Enquiries can be made on 2150 6904.
Ends/Thursday, September 8, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:02
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