In recognition of its contribution in enhancing enforcement cooperation, City University of Hong Kong (CityU) Veterinary Medical Centre (CVMC) has been awarded the 2021 World Customs Organization (WCO) Certificate of Merit for CityU’s partnership with the Customs and Excise Department.

The acclaim by an international organisation to CVMC is for the Dog Breeding Training Programme for the Customs Canine Force, the first pilot canine breeding course offered by CityU for a local enforcement agency in July 2020.

During the one-week programme, professionals at CVMC provided comprehensive training with their expertise on areas such as physiology, advanced breeding techniques, selection of breeding pairs, pregnancy, whelping, nutrition and puppy management.

Dr Duncan Hockley, Executive Director of CityU Veterinary Health Group Ltd, received the award from Ms Ida Ng Kit-ching, Assistant Commissioner (Boundary and Ports) of Customs and Excise Department, at a presentation ceremony on 31 May.

The presentation of the 2021 WCO Certificate of Merit is part of the International Customs Day celebration organised by WCO, an independent intergovernmental body representing 183 Customs administrations across the globe with the mission of enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations.