Measures to Manage High-risk Individuals Exhibiting Violence towards Animals

Mr Gabriel Lam asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether rehabilitation programmes addressing violent behaviour towards animals are offered to offenders; (b) how does the Ministry coordinates with Animal and Veterinary Service, Institute of Mental Health and community partners to manage such high-risk individuals; and (c) whether mandatory counselling or therapy can be imposed in addition to jail terms or fines.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Courts may decide to impose a Mandatory Treatment Order, which requires the offender to undergo psychiatric treatment such as at the Institute of Mental Health, for animal cruelty and abuse cases.