Livestock farmers will be fully consulted before actual implementation of a proposed demerit point system, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

When meeting legislator Albert Chan and pig and chicken farm representatives today to exchange views on the proposal, Dr Chow said as the scheme is targeted at illicit activities carried out by livestock farmers, their agents or employees, there is no need for law-abiding farmers to worry about the proposed system.

He stressed that the administration will fully consult the Legislative Council and the trade before actual implementation.

The scheme is mooted in the wake of the sporadic occurrence of Japanese encephalitis cases in Yuen Long and other areas, causing public concern that pig farms might pose health hazards to neighbouring areas.

Under the proposed scheme, demerit points will be registered against a farm licence if any livestock farm operators,  or their agent or employee is convicted of any offences such as illegal discharge of waste water, improper disposal of animal carcasses, et cetera.

If a licensee accumulates a certain number of points, his/her livestock keeping licence will be revoked automatically by the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department.

Noting that Hong Kong is a densely populated cosmopolitan place with limited land resources, Dr Chow said this has posed considerable constraints for the agricultural sector.

Livestock farming development potential limited

Given the various public health risks and the environmental problems associated with conventional livestock farming, the potential for further development of this industry in Hong Kong is extremely limited, he added.

Dr Chow said the Government is willing to render assistance to those livestock farmers who opt to switch to other lines of business but meet with genuine difficulties during the transitional period.

He said he will also consider the pig farmers' suggestion of surrendering their farm licences on a voluntary basis, by offering them an ex-gratia payment or other forms of assistance if necessary.

Currently, there are 276 licensed pig farms and 148 chicken and 46 pigeon farms in Hong Kong.