AFCD to step up threat assessments on feral dogs

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in Hong Kong plans to enhance threat assessments concerning feral dogs to ensure public safety, as announced by Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan on Monday. This decision follows the tragic death of a 27-year-old woman who was chased and attacked by three stray dogs in Yuen Long, marking the second such incident in less than a month.

Tse expressed deep concern over the recent attacks and conveyed his condolences to the deceased's family. He assured that authorities would intensify patrol operations and investigate the origin of the dog pack involved. The AFCD has been actively managing stray dogs, with numbers dropping significantly from over 11,000 in 2002 to approximately 400 recently.

Despite this success, the tragedy has prompted Tse to request the department to review and potentially strengthen measures for managing stray dogs in Hong Kong. Additionally, a review of laws governing dangerous dogs and associated penalties will be conducted, following Chief Executive John Lee's proposal in his recent Policy Address.

The review also aims to increase education for dog owners regarding their responsibilities. Tse clarified that the latest attacks were not linked to recent land acquisitions for the Northern Metropolis, though he anticipated an increase in stray dogs as development progresses, necessitating new handling measures.