To deal more effectively with illegal discharge from livestock farms, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department has proposed a demerit point system to revoke the licences of repeat offenders.

Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao told the Legislative Council today that under the proposed system, if a livestock farm is convicted of an offence under relevant ordinances, points will be deducted. When the total points deducted in a specific period exceed the specified ceiling, the livestock-keeping licence of the farm will be revoked.

The authority is also exploring whether more stringent environmental requirements can be included as licensing conditions. Any farm failing to comply with the conditions can be liable to licence revocation.

If the proposed demerit point system can be duly implemented, it will be a very effective means to address the environmental and hygienic problems caused by livestock farms, she said.