Gov’t refutes animal activist’s claims over stray dog culling following fatal mauling

The Hong Kong government has denied claims by animal rights activist Kent Luk that stray dogs captured under a recent operation will be culled after four days. Eight unattended canines were captured in Yuen Long on September 21, 2026, following a fatal mauling incident that killed a 27-year-old woman. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) explained that the five-day operation, conducted with police assistance, captured the dogs, three of which were microchipped but with expired licenses.

The AFCD stated that the four-day period mentioned by Luk refers to the statutory timeframe for conducting inquiries and locating the owners. Captured dogs undergo microchip scanning and license verification, with their owners contacted. If owners cannot be found, the dogs are housed at Animal Management Centres. Healthy dogs with good temperaments are transferred to animal welfare organizations for sterilization and rehoming, while the AFCD retains ownership of dogs that may pose safety risks, even after neutering.

Luk, founder of Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter, has been charged with failing to maintain a valid dog license and improper control of his dogs in public. The government is considering stricter penalties for abandoning pets following a series of dog attacks in the city.