Owner of unleashed 60kg dog arrested after 2 small pets killed in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, authorities have arrested the owner of a 60kg dog for allegedly killing two smaller pets in Yuen Long. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for stricter penalties for irresponsible pet owners. The dog, which had a history of attacks, was already detained in July due to an attack on another canine. According to Hong Kong's Dangerous Dogs Regulation, owners of dogs weighing 20kg or more must keep them on a leash no longer than two meters in public.

Violators can face a maximum fine of HK$25,000 and up to three months in jail. Dr Fiona Woodhouse, deputy director of welfare at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, suggests that the leash requirement should be extended to all dogs, regardless of size. She also advocates for a shift in the law to a Level 5 fine.

A social media user shared that her corgi had been killed by a 35kg unleashed wolfdog three months prior, and her poodle had been seriously injured by a 40kg unleashed dog in 2024. The owner of these dogs only faced a HK$2,000 fine and had their pets classified as known dangerous dogs. Sally Andersen, founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, criticizes the department's loose enforcement of licensing regulations, which allows some irresponsible owners to evade responsibility.

She calls for stricter animal cruelty laws and a "duty of care" regime, where owners must provide basic care for their pets. Kent Luk Ka-chit, founder of Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter, supports a duty of care and proper leash training for dogs. The government has been consulting on introducing a duty-of-care regime for the past two years, but the timeline for implementing the new law remains uncertain.