Injured Porcupine Rescued in Tai Po; AFCD Warns Illegal Traps Carry HK$50,000 Fine
HK01 · 4 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) rescued an injured porcupine from a drainage ditch near the village office in Yuen Leng, Tai Po on October 31, 2026. The animal was sent to Kadoorie Farm for examination after veterinarians suspected its injuries were caused by a trapping device. During a subsequent search of nearby hillside trails, officers discovered and removed a wire cage baited with food and a snare trap commonly known as a wild boar clip. The department warns that possessing or using trapping devices without a permit violates the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) and carries a maximum penalty of HK$50,000.
Key Points
- AFCD received a call for help on October 31, 2026 regarding an injured porcupine in Yuen Leng village, Tai Po; officers rescued the animal from a drainage ditch near the village office and transferred it to Kadoorie Farm
- Veterinarians at Kadoorie Farm suspected the porcupine's injuries were likely caused by a trapping device, prompting AFCD to conduct a search of the surrounding hillside trails
- The search led to the discovery and removal of a baited wire cage and a snare trap commonly called a "wild boar clip," with warning signs posted at conspicuous locations
- In the first three quarters of 2026, AFCD conducted over 400 inspections targeting illegal trapping devices, including 9 joint operations with other departments and organizations, seizing more than 60 traps in total
- Under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170), anyone possessing or using trapping devices such as foothold traps, cages, snare traps, or hunting nets without a permit commits an offense punishable by a maximum fine of HK$50,000
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by illegal trapping devices to Hong Kong's wildlife, with over 60 such traps already seized this year alone . The AFCD's continued enforcement and public reporting mechanism via the 1823 hotline serve as critical deterrents against illegal hunting activities that endanger native species .
The incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by illegal trapping devices to Hong Kong's wildlife, with over 60 such traps already seized this year alone . The AFCD's continued enforcement and public reporting mechanism via the 1823 hotline serve as critical deterrents against illegal hunting activities that endanger native species .