Under the approved amendment bill, the maximum penalty for animal cruelty acts, such as beating, kicking and torture, would be increased from the current penalty of a fine of 5,000 HK dollars (641 U.S. dollars) and an imprisonment of six months to a fine of 200,000 HK dollars (256,41 U.S. dollars) and an imprisonment of three years.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said the new penalty would send out a clear message that society did not tolerate cruelty to animals.

Concerning animal welfare, a department spokesman also urged people to provide adequate care to their pets and not to abandon them.

"One must respect the life of animals and carefully consider the care requirements of a pet before keeping it," he said.

People should call the police or the department through the Government hotline 1823 if they see any act of animal cruelty.

With Christmas and New Year holidays just around the corner pets are often given as presents. The department advised that people should ensure the receivers were capable of taking care of the animals.