Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow has ruled out the need for an "Animal Police" team, saying Police can effectively handle cruelty cases.

Responding to a question in the Legislative Council today, Dr Chow ruled out the animal police proposal saying the number of cruelty cases reported each year is minor compared to other crimes and so does not substantially increase officer workload.

He said there were 65 cases of cruelty reported to Police from January to September. Crime investigators followed up 52 cases and 44 arrests were made. In comparison, there have been 996,966 reports of other crimes.

Police have the manpower, capability and experience needed to handle cruelty cases, Dr Chow said, and call on the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) when needed. The force will consider adopting a more comprehensive and focused approach, and assign designated cruelty investigation teams, should the number of cases rise, he added.