'Two dogs linked to fatal attack are microchipped'

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced on Monday that two of the three stray dogs captured during an overnight operation in Yuen Long possess microchips. The incident occurred after a fatal attack on a 27-year-old woman on Pok Wai South Road last Saturday night. Authorities are attempting to get in touch with the owners of the dogs, who could potentially face legal consequences if there is sufficient evidence indicating negligence in fulfilling their responsibilities.

Following the patrol, the AFCD collaborated with the police on Pok Wai South Road in the afternoon, where they identified one stray dog still at large.

In addition to patrolling nearby villages, the team meticulously checked the microchips of dogs residing in warehouses and logistics firms. Roundtable lawmaker Mark Chong has urged the government to contemplate limiting the feeding of stray dogs. He observes that well-intentioned residents, volunteers, and local workers often leave food for stray and village dogs, but unregulated feeding poses significant safety risks.

Regular feeding causes stray dogs to form packs, resulting in aggressive territorial defense and rapid reproduction, Chong explained. Consequently, he believes that compassion must be coupled with responsible management. Otherwise, well-meaning feeding can escalate the pet population and heighten neighborhood dangers.

Yuen Long district councillor Allan Wong, on the other hand, believes that the latest dog attack was an isolated incident. Wong advocates that owners who abandon their pets should face legal repercussions. He contends that the government should implement stringent enforcement actions to hold dog keepers accountable for abandoning animals. Wong further suggests that the entire society should condemn irresponsible behavior, as the consequences of abandonment and public safety risks are shared by all.