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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (June 16) reminded dog owners to comply with new control requirements imposed on four kinds of fighting dogs.

These new requirements, contained in the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap.167), will take effect from tomorrow (June 17) onwards.

Speaking on the new requirements, an AFCD spokesman said fighting breeds included Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Fila Braziliero and Dogo Argentino and their crosses.

"These dogs have been selected for fighting for many years. They are liable to attack without provocation or warning and may inflict serious injuries which may be fatal.

"The new regulation bans breeding and importing of these fighting breeds, with an aim of phasing them out in seven to 10 years time," he added.

At present, there are about 200 Pit Bull Terriers and crosses in Hong Kong and few, if any, of the other breeds.

For those who choose to keep their existing fighting dogs, they would be allowed to do so only under very tight controlled conditions, the spokesman said.

Owners should arrange to have their fighting dogs neutered by a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible. Possession of an unneutered fighting dog will be an offence by October 15, 2000.

They should be securely held on a leash not longer than 1.5 metres in length and fitted with a muzzle when in public places.

The new regulation also imposes stringent controls on dogs classified as "known dangerous dogs" by a magistrate; those are dogs which have killed or inflicted severe injury on a person or domestic animal without provocation.

"Similar controls as those imposed on fighting dogs will be applied to known dangerous dogs," the spokesman said.

The Dangerous Dogs Regulation will also extend leashing controls on large dogs weighing 20 kilograms or more.

"However, the part on large dogs will commence later this year on November 17 to provide more time for dog owners to become familiar with the new requirement," he said.

Members of the public having any enquiries on the new regulation can call AFCD at 2362 3257.

End/Friday, June 16, 2000

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