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The government must soon determine a target population size for the animals and shift into population management, lest the culling programme become an extermination plan.
Greater monitoring needed after poaching traps found in city countryside, posing a cruel threat to animals and people. Stiffer fines could work but only if offenders think they will be caught
People who give the animals food are often to blame for their aggressive behaviour and an extension of feeding bans would be more effective
- Ecology minister Tse Chin-wan says conservation department has reduced size of boar population by 910 since late 2021, putting it at 1,360
- Number of reports of people being hurt by boars dropped from 36 in 2022 to nine last year
Poachers place traps on quiet mountain trails, targeting animals such as foxes, porcupines and wild boars.
Wild pig caught around 11.30am and later killed after evading capture for about two hours at Yuen Ngai Street in Mong Kok.
Readers write in about the death of a whale in Hong Kong waters, and why the killing of a wild boar sends young people the wrong message.
Boar expert says it is very rare for boars to attack humans unless threatened or injured after animal attacks boy and woman.
Teenage boy bitten on hand and woman on leg, according to Hong Kong police.
Insignificant decrease in nuisance reports and sightings of animal shows current policy fails to control wild boar population, experts say.
Authorities euthanised 320 wild boars in 144 operations between November 2021 and end December 2022.
Readers discuss the changing Western narrative on Chinese Covid policy, the impact of the mainland border reopening, and humane treatment of injured animals.
Wild boar are a common sight in Hong Kong, particularly along walking trails and in country parks where people sometimes feed them. Authorities began culling wild boar in late 2021 after one bit a policeman, sparking criticism from animal rights groups. Here’s a closer look at urban wild boar, visually explained.
Current ban on feeding wild animals only includes select areas, such as Lion Rock, Kam Shan and Shing Mun country parks.
Readers discuss teachers’ workloads in Hong Kong, the impact of travel regulations on diversity in the city, plans to improve safety at care homes for children, and a boar sighting along Bowen Road.
Lawmakers will discuss new measures to manage wild pigs in the city to safeguard public safety and maintain environmental hygiene next week.
A 60-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman bitten on their legs while they and their friend were hiking in Tai Tam Country Park, according to police.
Readers discuss Pope Francis’ comments on choosing to have a pet instead of children, those who disregard what’s best for Hong Kong’s wildlife, and the implications of Omicron.
Readers comment on the lack of clear messaging on the government’s wild boar solution, Hong Kong’s Covid-19 restrictions and border closures, and Western concerns about Peng Shuai.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has mounted operations in five ‘black spots’ and launched another seven after referrals from police.
Readers suggest improvements to Legco’s School Visit Programme, discuss belated official action on the wild boar problem, ask the government to persevere in reining in housing developers and examine Thailand’s ‘test and go’ policy.
Wild boars can still be aggressive and pose a threat to public safety even without being provoked. To complement animal removal, the public must understand the importance of not feeding wild animals.
Readers discuss the importance of police foot patrols, the ongoing mask mandate, pollution generated by face masks, how to deal with the wild boar problem, and pet owners’ responsibilities.
Readers discuss the need for the Hong Kong authorities to fine-tune their boar culling operation, the city’s low-carbon calculator, and Boston’s first Asian-American mayor.
Readers discuss the merits of undue attention to the right to privacy, how Hong Kong’s Palace Museum can draw on the resources of its Beijing counterpart, and the decision to cull wild boars.
Thousands of disciplined services personnel including special constables to help police ensure December 19 election passes safely.
Readers discuss Hongkongers’ apathy, the problem with testing records and government apps, the pros and cons of full-day school, and suggest a wild boar sanctuary.
The government’s decision to kill boars in urban areas should prompt reflection on whether human beings’ relationship with animals can be more than just predator-prey, especially as climate change threatens the city’s biodiversity.
From the quarantine exemption granted to select people to the culling of wild boars, events in the city bring to mind George Orwell’s famous satire.
