Unleashed 60kg dog runs amok, fatally mauls poodle, bichon frise in Hong Kong

A large, unleashed dog weighing 60kg attacked and fatally mauled two smaller pets in Hong Kong within 20 minutes of each other, prompting authorities to investigate the incident. The first attack occurred on Monday near the taxi rank at the Yoho Mall car park in Yuen Long, where a 58-year-old man was walking his 5kg brown miniature poodle. The aggressive dog, of unknown breed, chased and mangled the poodle, which died later at a veterinary clinic.

Approximately 20 minutes later, the same large dog attacked a 50-year-old woman walking her 5kg bichon frise near Lolli Park at Yoho Mix mall. The bichon frise suffered fatal injuries, collapsing in grief as she attempted to intervene. Passers-by tried in vain to help the victim. CCTV footage confirmed the dog was wandering freely without a handler. The dog was later captured by police and transferred to the New Territories North animal management centre.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) confirmed the dog was microchipped and its licence was valid. The department would contact the owner based on the licence information and conduct an investigation. Prosecution would be initiated if sufficient evidence was found, according to the AFCD. Police classified the incident as a "dog bite" and the case is being handled by the AFCD.

Lawmaker Steven Ho expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for enhanced education on dog-owner responsibility and a joint effort by relevant departments and animal groups to promote proper dog management.