Hong Kong authorities to get tough on careless dog owners during special operations

Hong Kong officials plan to enforce stricter rules on dog owners during upcoming special operations. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will increase inspections and enforcement actions on Sunday and the following weekend in response to a series of dog attacks. If owners fail to properly control their pets, they could face immediate legal action without prior warning. Offenders can be fined up to HK$10,000 for leaving dogs unleashed in public areas or where they may wander into public spaces.

Recently, the AFCD seized a fighting dog at a restaurant in Stanley after receiving a complaint. The department confirmed the dog as a pit bull terrier, a classified fighting breed, and stated that it would prosecute the owner if there was sufficient evidence of wrongdoing. The owner claimed the animal did not legally count as dangerous.

Fighting dogs must be neutered by a registered veterinary surgeon and secured with a leash no longer than 1.5 metres in public places. Any dogs weighing 20kg or more must be secured with a leash up to two metres. Non-compliance can result in up to three months in prison and a HK$25,000 fine.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has promised to review laws governing dangerous dogs and related penalties following a series of dog attacks. One week prior to Lee's pledge, a 33-year-old pet training facility owner was fatally mauled by a mixed-breed fighting dog. Two additional attacks occurred earlier that week. Despite allowing dogs to enter licensed restaurants since July 9, over 980 restaurants have obtained the dog-friendly venue license as of early August.