Hong Kong government addresses concerns over animals in ornamental ponds
The Hong Kong government has responded to legislative questions about animals kept in ornamental ponds, stating that no comprehensive statistics exist on such ponds across public and private properties. It outlined existing measures to manage animals in these ponds, including guidance from the Agric
The Hong Kong government has addressed legislative questions about animals kept in ornamental ponds, confirming that no comprehensive statistics are maintained on the number of ponds originally designed for aesthetic purposes but now used to house animals across private housing estates, Home Ownership Scheme estates, public rental housing estates, or Leisure and Cultural Services Department parks.
In a written reply on 4 November 2026 to lawmaker Ho Chun-hin, the government said the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Housing Authority do not track such data for their properties, nor does the government hold figures for private properties. The government argued that since service contractors are required to properly handle any animals found in ornamental ponds during cleaning and maintenance, such statistics are unnecessary.
The government outlined that service contracts for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Housing Authority require contractors to remove rubbish from ponds daily and clean them regularly, with costs included in the total contract price. Contractors must properly handle any animals found in ornamental ponds, and site staff are instructed to stop any abandonment or release of animals during patrols.
To assist property managers, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has provided practical guidelines to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Housing Authority, and all property management companies through the Property Management Practitioners Ordinance. These guidelines cover animal welfare, water quality standards, filtration and aeration systems, pond cleaning arrangements, and regular monitoring. Property management companies seeking to remove animals from ponds must ensure proper relocation and may contact animal welfare organisations or call 1823 for referral to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department's animal management centre.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, improper release of animals causing unnecessary suffering is illegal, carrying a maximum fine of HK$200,000 and three years' imprisonment. Enforcement agencies may prosecute individuals, property managers, or contractors based on evidence. Cleaning contractors who cause mass animal deaths through improper procedures may also violate the ordinance.
To prevent improper release of animals, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department conducts enhanced patrols at release hotspots during specific festivals and displays educational posters and banners at public transport hubs and release sites. Since 2024, the department has promoted science-based stock enhancement activities on 6 June each year, National Fish Release Day, inviting religious groups, fishermen's organisations, environmental groups, and students to participate in nationwide simultaneous releases to improve fishery resources and marine ecology.
