AFCD requires dog keepers to properly control dogs in accordance with the law

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     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) this morning (October 26) received a referral from the Police of a suspected dog bite case. Officers were immediately deployed to a warehouse on Kam Pok Road, Yuen Long, where the suspected dog was taken away and sent to an Animal Management Centre for detention and observation. The dog concerned is a microchipped mongrel with a valid dog licence. The AFCD is following up the investigation and will institute prosecution if there is sufficient evidence that any person has contravened the law.

Legal requirements

     An AFCD spokesman reminded members of the public, "The law clearly requires dog keepers to properly control their dogs in public places. If a dog bites a person, its keeper is also liable. A keeper is not limited to a person who owns, possesses or has custody of the animal, but also includes a person who harbours the animal, or the occupier of land or premises on which the animal is usually kept or permitted to remain. These persons must clearly understand their legal responsibilities."

     Under section 23 of the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), dogs in a public place must be held on a leash or otherwise kept under proper control. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $10,000. If a dog bites a person as a result of such contravention, the keeper may also be liable to a further fine of up to $10,000. In addition, section 9 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D) stipulates that large dogs (weighing 20 kilograms or above) must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length by a person when in a public place. Contravention of this requirement is liable to a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for three months.

AFCD's enforcement actions

     In a high-density urban environment, uncontrolled dogs may pose risks to public safety. To safeguard community safety, the AFCD has been conducting special inspections and enforcement operations on the proper control of dogs at various locations across Hong Kong since August. A new phase of special operations was launched on October 8. In the coming four months, priority will be given to high-risk locations where dog attacks on passers-by and congregations of stray dogs have occurred, with a view to strengthening the capturing of unattended dogs. These operations have so far captured a total of 10 unattended dogs. The AFCD will pursue the responsibilities of the keepers concerned and institute prosecutions based on the evidence obtained.

     Members of the public who wish to learn more about the proper control of dogs and how to be a responsible pet owner may visit the AFCD website (www.pets.gov.hk).

Ends/Monday, October 26, 2026
Issued at HKT 21:40

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