The Government today approved an extension request by Macao (Yut Yuen) Canidrome Co. Ltd giving additional 60 days to the company to relocate the retired greyhound dogs that were once used by the firm in its defunct greyhound racing betting concession.
The company will have to rehome the 533 concerned dogs by 29 September.
The approval followed a thorough assessment of a new proposal submitted by Macao (Yut Yuen) Canidrome to the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau. The new plan, submitted today by the former greyhound racing betting concessionaire, proposes to provide shelter to the dogs at 11 private properties, under the care of dedicated dog handlers and with the support of animal welfare groups.
The Bureau considered the latest proposal feasible in terms of ensuring animal welfare in accordance with the Animal Protection Law. The Bureau’s decision to approve the deadline extension took into account the need to revamp the private properties included in the plan, before the greyhound dogs could be rehomed there.
The decision additionally took into consideration a long-term plan to shelter the concerned animals, previously proposed by the company and an animal welfare group. Such plan proposes the rezoning of a private plot in Pac On in order for the land to be used for a dog shelter for animals waiting to be rehomed. Such plan would involve a zoning change that must be approved by the relevant authorities.
Macao (Yut Yuen) Canidrome is required to inform the Bureau, at least seven working days in advance, of any plan to relocate the greyhound dogs. That is in order for the Bureau to ensure that the new shelter venues fulfil the requirements included in the Animal Protection Law.
In the meantime, the Bureau would continue to take care of the dogs, at the now closed racing track. Macao (Yut Yuen) Canidrome will be responsible for all charges related with taking care of the dogs, until the animals are relocated.
The company must now relocate the dogs by the 29 September deadline and pay all related fees; otherwise, the dogs would be considered to have been abandoned by Macao (Yut Yuen) Canidrome, and the company could face charges under the Animal Protection Law.
The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau will closely monitor the progress made by the company regarding the relocation of the greyhound dogs, as to make sure that Macao (Yut Yuen) Canidrome meets its responsibilities in accordance with the Animal Protection Law.
Macao (Yut Yuen) Canidrome exited the dog racing track in the Fai Chi Kei district after the company’s greyhound racing betting concession expired on 20 July. A total of 533 greyhound dogs were left behind by Macao (Yut Yuen) Canidrome when the company moved out of the facilities.