Backlash grows after Hong Kong authorities seize second ‘fighting dog’ in week
Hong Kong authorities are facing a growing backlash after seizing a “fighting dog” from its owner following a neighbour’s complaint and detaining it for behavioural evaluation. It was the second dog with pit bull lineage that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department had seized in a week. The department’s actions came amid heightened public concern over canine management, following a…
Hong Kong authorities are facing a growing public backlash following the seizure of a second "fighting dog" in a week. Both dogs were pit bull terriers, a breed strictly regulated under Hong Kong law. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) seized the dogs after receiving complaints from neighbors, with the owner denied access to the animals.
The situation has sparked outrage, with many social media users condemning the department's actions and calling for transparency. One local shelter, Home for Homeless Dog, urged the AFCD to allow the dog's owner immediate visitation rights, disclose the dog's physical and mental condition, and release it as soon as possible. The shelter described the seized dog, named Baku, as a gentle, friendly animal with no history of aggression.
The department defended its actions, stating it acted on a report of an unregistered fighting dog and conducted a thorough inspection. The dog was neutered, but still requires observation and temperament testing before it can be returned to its owner. Owners are required to undergo training and secure their fighting dogs with specific laws and penalties.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu pledged to review laws governing dangerous dogs and related penalties.
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.
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