The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation of the Hong Kong Government has opened an investigation in collaboration with the Police into the sale of dog meat over the Internet after detecting advertisements for it.

“The Department is investigating these activities and messages linked to an alleged online store to collect evidence and may lead to judicial proceedings if there is sufficient evidence,” the agency explained in a statement reported by public television RTHK.

The Department has stressed that it “will not tolerate” these “illegal activities” and that it will “strictly” apply the legislation.. He has also urged the population not to buy dog or cat meat.

The Dog and Cat Law provides for up to six months in prison and fines of up to 5,000 Hong Kong dollars (about 588 euros) for anyone proven to have killed dogs or cats to use their meat as food or participate in its sale or use.