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To tie in with the four-pronged approach of the Animal Watchers Programme (AWP), including education, publicity, intelligence gathering and investigation, Support Wing organised the first Animal Crime Specialised Training Course at the Police Sports and Recreation Club from July 20 to 21, with a view to enhancing the professionalism and capability of frontline officers in handling animal related cases.
The course covered legislations related to the investigation of animal cruelty cases, evidence gathering and investigation techniques, animal handling skills, and the background of the amendment to the Road Traffic Ordinance and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance. The course also introduced the collaborations between relevant departments and the concept of animal welfare.
In addition to the presentations delivered by veterinary experts of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, a Public Prosecutor of the Department of Justice, representatives of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) and officers of the Traffic Branch Headquarters, OC Cases of the Animal Crime Police Teams from Tai Po District and Tsuen Wan District were also invited to share their valuable experiences in case investigations. Over 100 frontline uniformed officers, officers of Animal Crime Police Teams and regional AWP officers participated in the course. The participants appreciated the comprehensiveness of the course, which enhanced their confidence in handling animal related cases.
