§ 25. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the widespread practice of selling dogs, cats and puppies in public markets in Hong Kong for human consumption, and of the conditions under which sale takes place and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe practice is illegal in Hong Kong, and the law is effectively enforced in the urban areas. In some rural areas in the new territories, where the practice is traditional and is not opposed by the villagers, the law is evaded by sales outside the public markets. In these areas the Hong Kong Government are tackling the problem through education.
§ Mr. RankinWhat is the police force for? Is it not its function to enforce the law in the new territories? Is it not the case that the police in Hong Kong are conniving at the sale of these animals? I am not interfering in the Chinaman's desire to eat dog, but let it be done only if it is legal.
§ Mr. ProfumoIt is illegal, but prevention is a difficult matter. If somebody takes a dog, cat or puppy outside the markets, it is extremely difficult to prove whether it was taken there as a pet, as a watchdog or for some honourable gentleman to eat.