Hong Kong pet owner barred from leaving city pending trial over fatal dog attacks
A man has been barred from leaving Hong Kong pending trial over allegations that he failed to properly control his dog, which mauled two smaller pets to death and injured a third. Yuen Long resident Ng Shui-ting, 52, appeared at Tuen Mun Court on Thursday to face two charges brought by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. He allegedly failed to keep the 60kg (132lbs) dog…
A Hong Kong man, Ng Shui-ting, 52, has been forbidden from departing the city while awaiting trial over accusations he failed to properly control his dog, which fatally attacked two smaller pets and injured a third. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department filed charges against Ng, alleging he allowed his 60kg dog to roam freely within Yoho Mall on July 10 and August 17.
Acting Magistrate Daniel Tang Siu-hung rescheduled the case to October 29 and granted Ng bail under conditions requiring him to remain in Hong Kong, reside at the provided Yuen Long address, and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses.
Under regulations for dangerous dogs, owners of canines weighing 20kg or more must securely restrain their pets on leashes no longer than two meters in public areas. This offense carries a fine of up to HK$25,000 and a possible sentence of three months in prison. Ng's pet, a five-year-old male named "Lali," was apprehended after the fatal attacks. The dog, previously microchipped and licensed, is currently held in government custody. Lali's breed has not been conclusively determined.
Since 2023, the department has initiated 679 prosecutions under the Rabies Ordinance and Dangerous Dogs Regulation for attacks on people and other animals. The Rabies Ordinance allows officials to euthanize or destroy animals suspected of carrying rabies, among other limited scenarios. The Dogs and Cats Ordinance permits a magistrate to order a dog's destruction or confinement if deemed dangerous and improperly controlled.
An online petition calling for Lali's rehabilitation rather than euthanasia garnered attention. Ng's former groomer described the dog as gentle and friendly towards people, asking supporters to write to authorities requesting a full assessment by a qualified animal behaviorist and professional training. Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter founder Kent Luk Ka-chit revealed that Lali had changed hands multiple times, initially owned as a guard dog by a wealthy family before being given away due to issues with another family pet.
Luk believed Lali to be a Mastiff-type dog, noting that large, powerful breeds necessitate experienced handling and secure containment.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
