AFCD catches eight dogs as joint-operation ends

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) apprehended eight dogs without owners during a five-day joint operation with the police, following a fatal dog attack in Yuen Long last week. The animals are currently being held at the AFCD's animal management center for observation. Out of the eight, three were found to be microchipped.

One of the department's prosecutions resulted from an owner breaking the Rabies Regulation. During the operation, a dog bit a frontline staff member, who is recovering at the hospital in stable condition.

AFCD clarified that the claim about the dogs being euthanized was false. The four-day statutory requirement is merely the legal period for the department to investigate and find the owners. Should no owner be found, the department will patiently observe the animals and arrange for spaying or neutering of healthy and docile ones at animal welfare organizations before putting them up for adoption. Unclaimed dogs will not be released back into the community to ensure public safety, the department emphasized.