Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15
Focussing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.
(Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)
For over 104 years, the SPCA has stood as the largest and oldest animal welfare organisation in Hong Kong. Every single day, we dedicate ourselves to ending animal cruelty, alleviating suffering, and protecting the health and well-being of all creatures—both wild and companion animals, whether they have homes or not.
Though Hong Kong is small, its bustling population means that countless animals live among us. The last census in 2019 estimated over 400,000 pets, but more recent studies from 2023 reveal a staggering surge to over a million. These million souls are voiceless in our society, and at the SPCA, we passionately advocate for their welfare. But there are concerning trends that we must address together.
Did you know that our animal legislation dates back to 1935? It’s time for a crucial update from the Legislative Council so we can adequately protect these vulnerable animals from abuse and neglect. We need stronger laws, like updates to the Duty of Care legislation, to empower law enforcement to prosecute those who mistreat our furry friends.
This is why we tirelessly promote responsible pet ownership. Caring for a pet is a lifelong commitment. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a troubling rise in pet abandonment—especially among cats. In 2024 alone, we’ve witnessed an alarming 11% increase, with some days seeing up to 14 cats left behind, often entire families abandoned at streets or refuse centers.
Too often, owners fall prey to unscrupulous breeders who care more about profit than the well-being of animals. Many pets come to us sick, sometimes with severe health issues that their new owners are unprepared to manage. This leads to heart-wrenching abandonment, further straining our resources as we care for these vulnerable creatures.
Despite our new 93,000 sq ft center in Tsing Yi, we often find ourselves at full capacity, caring for sick animals whose recovery takes time. Every adoption creates an opportunity for another animal in need, and with over 400 animals currently in our care, your choice to adopt can save lives.
We encourage you to “Adopt, Don’t Shop.” Our four adoption centers are open every day, with no appointment necessary. Last year, we even launched an app that lets you swipe to find your future furry companion—just like a dating app!
As a proud mongrel owner, I can personally attest to the immense joy and well-being pets can bring into our lives. Yet, we recognise that pet ownership can be challenging in a bustling city like Hong Kong. While we celebrate the growth of pet-inclusive spaces and parks to over 200, we know there’s much more to be done.
That’s why we’re committed to educating everyone on the importance of pet inclusivity. We’ve trained staff at banks and shopping malls to welcome our furry friends and even hosted dog-friendly movie screenings. We aim to foster understanding and respect between pet owners and non-pet owners, emphasizing safety and hygiene.
Our workshops, like those on socializing city dogs, help ensure that everyone can enjoy public spaces harmoniously. We’ve also launched initiatives like “Bring Your Dog to Work,” encouraging companies to embrace the presence of pets in the workplace. The benefits for mental wellness and collaboration are profound, and we’re excited to help more organizations adopt these policies.
We’re also making strides with transportation providers to allow pets on public transport, with exciting developments like affordable pet tours launched by KMB in 2024. Stay tuned for more good news in 2025!
It’s important to note that we only receive 1% of our funding from the government. We rely heavily on the generosity of public donations and the revenue from our veterinary services to support our mission. Imagine caring for over 400 animals every day—your support truly makes a difference. You can support us by participating in our events, using our veterinary services, purchasing from our online and offline retail store or donating to us help make an impact in animal welfare.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all our donors and volunteers who help us improve the welfare of our rescue animals. I look forward to meeting more prospective adopters and passionate pet owners in 2025. Together, let’s ensure that all animals are treated with the compassion and respect they so richly deserve.
The quality of taxi services in Hong Kong has long been a contentious issue, exacerbated in recent years by the rise of internet-hailing ride services and economic downturns. These challenges have significantly impacted the taxi industry, notably seen in the plummeting value of urban taxi licenses from $7.6 million in 2013 to approximately $3.1 million by mid-2024. The financial strain on taxi drivers, who often pay exorbitant rents to taxi owners, has led to diminished service quality and a lack of motivation to meet passengers' expectations.
In response to these issues and resulting public criticisms, the Hong Kong Taxi Council launched a customer service campaign in order to address industry shortcomings and revitalize service standards. This initiative seeks to acknowledge the challenges faced by drivers and demonstrate a commitment to improving service quality. It represents a pivotal moment for the taxi industry, highlighting the urgency for reform amidst declining public confidence and competition from ride-hailing platforms like Uber, which, despite facing legal hurdles, have captured significant market share due to their perceived convenience and competitive pricing.
Challenges of Operating Taxi Services in Hong Kong
Operating taxi services in Hong Kong presents multifaceted challenges, primarily driven by financial burdens and an outdated licensing system that favors a few incumbent owners. High rental costs for taxis directly impact drivers' earnings, leading to dissatisfaction and reduced service standards. The monopolistic nature of the licensing regime further stifles competition and innovation within the industry, hindering its ability to adapt to evolving consumer demands and technological advancements. The industry has also failed to attract young blood and hence most of the drivers are way past the benchmark of old age of 60 years.
The emergence of ride-hailing platforms has intensified competition, exacerbating the plight of traditional taxi services. Uber, despite operating in a legal gray area, has attracted a sizable customer base seeking more efficient transportation alternatives. This underscores the growing preference for flexible, technology-driven services that traditional taxis struggle to match. To remain viable, Hong Kong's taxi industry must confront these challenges head-on, addressing both regulatory barriers and internal operational deficiencies.
Can the Ambassador Campaign Really Help?
The effectiveness of the ambassador campaign hinges on its ability to instill a culture of professionalism and service excellence among taxi drivers. By emphasizing the importance of courtesy and customer satisfaction, the campaign could perhaps rebuild trust and improve overall passenger experience. However, achieving sustainable improvement requires more than just promotional efforts—it necessitates structural reforms and tangible incentives to incentivize drivers towards higher service standards.
Drawing insights from global practices, cities such as Singapore and Dubai, have integrated technology in taxi services. This provides a relevant benchmark for Hong Kong. Technology-enabled booking systems and electronic payments can streamline operations, enhance user convenience and service efficiency. Embracing similar innovations could bolster Hong Kong's taxi industry, making it more competitive and appealing to consumers accustomed to digital solutions.
Improvement Suggestions for the Government and Stakeholders
To foster lasting change, collaborative efforts between the government and industry stakeholders are imperative. Key recommendations are:
1. Reform the Licensing System: Transitioning towards a more competitive licensing framework based on performance metrics could stimulate service improvements. By diversifying ownership and promoting operational transparency, the government can create a more dynamic marketplace conducive to innovation and service quality.
2. Embrace Technological Integration: Expanding digital infrastructure, such as app-based booking systems and cashless payment options, would modernize service delivery and enhance user experience. Initiatives like the government's proposed rollout of premium taxi fleet licenses and e-payment solutions represent positive strides towards technological integration.
3. Promote Public Awareness: Educating consumers about their rights and responsibilities when using taxi services is crucial for fostering mutual respect and improving overall service interactions. Public awareness campaigns can enhance passenger satisfaction and encourage a culture of accountability among drivers.
Hong Kong is an international city renowned for its best of the class transport system. There is no plausible reason why the taxi service cannot be improved to same standards.