Press Release

Pet shop raided for selling unregistered pharmaceutical products with controlled drug ingredient

21 December 2012

A pet shop in Wan Chai was raided by the Department of Health (DH) and the Police in a joint operation yesterday (December 20). The pet shop was found to be selling unregistered animal drugs.

Upon the investigation of a complaint from a member of the public, the DH found two unregistered animal drugs, namely "Heartgard Plus Tablets" and "Tri-Heart Plus Tablets", both containing the antibiotic ivermectin inside the pet shop in Wan Chai. Hong Kong pharmaceutical product registration number was not found on the products label. During the operation, the Police also arrested the 42 year-old saleswoman of the pet shop for selling "Heartgard Plus Tablets".

"Heartgard Plus Tablets" and "Tri-Heart Plus Tablets" are indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease and treatment of other parasite infections in dogs. They are both prescription drugs and should be used under the advice and instructions of veterinary surgeon.

In addition, the pet shop's head office located in Tsuen Wan was also raided. Apart from the above two products, another two unregistered animal drugs, namely "Frontline Plus for Dogs" and "Frontline Plus for Cats", were found. Both Frontline Plus products, containing fipronil, are over-the-counter animal drugs indicated for the treatment of fleas and ticks in dogs or cats.

"Sale or possession of unregistered animal drugs is an offence under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138). The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment for each offence. Illegal sale or possession of antibiotics is also an offence under the Antibiotics Ordinance (Cap. 137) and the maximum penalty is a fine of $30,000 and one year's imprisonment for each offence," a DH spokesman said.

The DH's investigation is continuing.

As unregistered pharmaceutical products have not been evaluated by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, their safety, quality and efficacy may not be guaranteed. The spokesperson urged members of the public not to buy or use unregistered pharmaceutical products. Moreover, members of the public should only use antibiotics for their pets under the advice and instructions of veterinary surgeon.

Members of public should consult veterinary surgeon for advice if in doubt.

All registered pharmaceutical products shall carry the Hong Kong registration number on its package in the format of HK-XXXXX. Members of the public who have bought the above unregistered products with no registration number should also stop using them immediately. They may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.

Tri-Heart Plus Tablets Frontline Plus for Cats Frontline Plus for Dogs Heartgard Plus Tablets