The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (August 18) announced that, in relation to a suspected dog attack case involving a dog attacking other dogs that occurred in Yuen Long yesterday (August 17), the AFCD arrested the keeper of the dog concerned this afternoon and collected statement regarding this case. The dog concerned is currently put under observation at the AFCD's animal management centre.

　　The dog concerned was previously detained by the AFCD on July 10 this year in connection with another dog attack case. The dog concerned was subsequently reclaimed by its keeper. At the time, the AFCD warned the keeper that the dog must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length in public places and must be kept under proper control.

　　The AFCD is currently investigating the two aforementioned cases and will instigate prosecution if there is sufficient evidence.

　　The AFCD attaches great importance to the matter, particularly with regard to the control of large dogs in public places, and once again reminds all dog keepers that they must keep their dogs under proper control at all times, especially by securely holding the large dogs on a leash to prevent them from causing nuisance or injury to other people or animals.

　　Under section 9 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D), a large dog weighing 20 kilograms or more must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length when in a public place. Any person who contravenes the relevant requirement is liable to a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for three months.

　　Under section 23 of the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), a dog must be held on a leash or otherwise kept under proper control when in a public place, or in any other place from which it may reasonably be expected to wander into a public place. Any person who contravenes the above requirement is liable to a fine of $10,000.

　　Furthermore, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), any person who wantonly or unreasonably does or fails to do any act, thereby causing any animal to suffer unnecessary pain, commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years.

Ends/Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:34

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