a post from/on behalf of William Sargent; he of the Hong Kong Snakes group, and well known animal advocate and educator...
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The AFCD has been busy desexing one of the last non-sterile male buffalos after they found a new calf was born...
Having grown up on Lantau (100m from this spot), and raising my two children here, this issue is close to my heart. The free roaming water buffalos have been an integral part of Lantau's DNA and a major part of what makes Lantau so special. Unfortunately, without consultation, any conservation planning, the government are hiding their policy to get rid of all of them. These majestic creatures have been roaming Lantau before most people on this island were born.
The irony is not lost that in 2018 the government implemented a $1 billion Lantau Conservation Fund (LCF) to promote 'conservation of Lantau, education and engagement'. This means yours/mine/ anyone's children, tourists, local residents or visitors will not get to enjoy the natural beauty of these beautiful creatures.
The purpose of this is post is simply to ask you to send the following email
Thank you
*******Suggested Email Text ********
Subject: Request for Transparency Regarding the Management of Buffalo Herds on South Lantau
I am writing to request transparency regarding the current policy concerning the buffalo herds on South Lantau, as managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
On March 5, 2024, Dr. Ho Chin-ho, Kenny, acting on behalf of the Director of the AFCD, stated in a letter to LegCo member Dr. Hon Tik Chi-yuen that:
“AFCD has been implementing the Capture-Sterilise-Relocate (CSR) programme to control the number of stray cattle by sterilizing them, so as to minimize the nuisance caused by them to the public and the public safety risk posed by them, and to ensure that they can co-exist harmoniously with the public.”
However, despite this assurance, Dr. Jason Chi Ching Chan from the Animal Management Operations Division has been conducting multiple sterilization operations to prevent further breeding. Dr. Chan has informed local residents that, according to his department head, Dr. Denise Dan BI, the policy is to either remove or neuter all remaining buffalo.
Local residents and animal advocacy groups have repeatedly sought clarification from the AFCD on how this policy aligns with the official government stance. Unfortunately, all enquiries have been met with refusal or insufficient responses.
Furthermore, as noted by the Director of the AFCD on March 5, 2024:
“The Department regularly engages consultants to conduct surveys on stray cattle on Lantau Island. The Department's Cattle Management Team also conducts frequent inspections on Lantau Island and has a good understanding of the number, distribution, and scope of activities of stray cattle on Lantau Island.”
Despite this, the AFCD has refused to disclose any data related to the current or target population sizes of the buffalo.
Therefore, I respectfully request the following:
1. Confirmation of the official government policy on animal management concerning the buffalo population on South Lantau, particularly in relation to the Capture-Sterilise-Relocate (CSR) programme.
2. Clarification of the current buffalo population on Lantau, including the number of desexed versus non-sterilized buffalo, as well as the target population size necessary to meet the stated goal of ensuring that buffalo "can co-exist harmoniously with the public."
Transparency is crucial to ensure that the policies in place are both effective and ethical, and that they align with the well-being of both the animals and the local community. I appreciate your attention to this important matter and look forward to your prompt response.
Yours sincerely,
Cc:
Mr. TSE Chin Wan, BBS, JP,
The Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the Environment and Ecology Bureau.
Dr. BI Dan, Denise
Sr. Veterinary Officer (Animal Mgt) Operations
Office of the Hong Kong Chief Executive
Stella Lee
SCMP Hong Kong Editor
Tammy Tam
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