Ombudsman probes Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department's arrangements for handling dog licence applications and renewals (with photos)
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The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (October 17) announced the launch of a full investigation into the procedures and mechanisms currently employed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in handling dog licence applications and renewals.
The Rabies Regulations require all dogs in Hong Kong reaching the age of 5 months or above to be licensed, vaccinated against rabies and microchipped. The AFCD's Animal Management Centres provide anti-rabies dog inoculation and licensing and microchipping services.
The Office of The Ombudsman received a public complaint that the complainant recently brought his microchipped dogs to an AFCD Animal Management Centre to apply for their first dog licences. Upon arrival, he was informed that the AFCD had introduced a new requirement whereby dog owners must provide proof of the legal origin of their dogs, such as a receipt for purchasing the dog from a pet shop or the dog's vaccination record, in order to apply for a dog licence. Eventually, the complainant had to return home with his dogs to obtain the required proof and revisited the centre to complete the procedure. The complainant alleged that the AFCD was unable to reasonably explain the rationale for the new requirement, and there was a lack of information about the new requirement on its website.
Mr Chan said, "Keeping pet dogs is increasingly common in Hong Kong. The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address also includes measures to promote a pet-friendly culture. Our society is gradually embracing pet inclusivity. It is crucial for the AFCD to establish reasonable procedures and requirements for dog licence applications and renewals and to provide clear information to the public so as to facilitate dog owners in licensing, vaccinating and microchipping their dogs, as well as renewing dog licences and re-vaccinating their dogs in a timely manner. These measures are essential for preventing the outbreak of rabies and effectively monitoring whether dog owners have fulfilled their responsibilities, thereby protecting the rights and welfare of dogs. In this light, I have decided to launch a full investigation into the AFCD's mechanisms and procedures for handling dog licence applications and renewals to identify any areas for improvement. Pertinent recommendations will be made for enhancing the AFCD's services, with a view to facilitating dog owners in taking proper care of their dogs."
The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by November 17, 2025:
Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168–200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 2882 8149
Email: cic-afcd@ombudsman.hk
Ends/Friday, October 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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