3 Hong Kong dog owners lose appeals against ‘fighting dog’ classifications

Three dog owners have lost their appeal against the government’s decision to classify their pets as “fighting dogs,” designations that were made as authorities tightened regulations following fatal dog attacks in August.

The Dogs and Cats Classification Board, an advisory board to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), held three back-to-back appeal hearings at the Kowloon Animal Management Centre on Wednesday.

The owners told HKFP that after the hearings, they were handed a document stating that the board had determined their pets to be fighting dogs.

The AFCD said earlier this month that since August 20, it had identified seven dogs as fighting dogs. The designation subjects these dogs to rules such as requiring them to wear a muzzle, and barring them from entering dog-friendly restaurants.

Mr Ho, the owner of Bao Bao, told HKFP he did not have much hope for the appeal result, but decided to try anyway.

His dog, which was previously listed as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier on its license, was taken by AFCD officers at a cafe in Stanley last month.

The AFCD then re-classified him as a Pit Bull Terrier, one of the four dog types that fall under the “fighting dogs” category. The group also includes Dogo Argentinos, Japanese Tosas, and Fila Brasileiros. The department said Staffordshire Bull Terriers fall under the Pit Bull Terrier type.

He said he showed the board members messages of support from residents in Stanley, where he and his wife live with their three dogs, attesting that Bao Bao was a friendly and gentle dog.

“I feel helpless. There was no point to this hearing,” Mr Ho said in Cantonese, adding that the board members did not directly address his concerns.

‘Identified as a murderer’

Jacqueline Cheung, founder of the non-profit Love Adopt Animal Society, brought Bowie to the appeal hearing on Wednesday.

Her non-profit is now taking care of Bowie after her previous owner gave her up following the dog’s designation as a fighting dog when he brought her for a vaccine appointment at an AFCD centre.

Bowie was registered as a Sharpei on her dog license. Jacqueline said the appeal hearing lasted around 20 minutes, during which she told the board that Bowie showed clear characteristics of a Sharpei.

“She has the fur of a Sharpei. Her bristle-like hair pokes me,” she said in Cantonese.

“She also has a ‘meat mouth,” she said, referring to the fleshy muzzle that Sharpeis are known for.

Cheung said the board did not address her argument, adding that the appeal was a “waste of time.”

“The entire process is unscientific. It lacks credibility, and it’s mind-boggling,” Cheung said.

“It’s like she’s been identified as a murderer, like Yip Kai-foon,” Cheung said, referring to an infamous Hong Kong gangster said to have been involved in a number of murders.

Bowie is now staying at a dog hotel, with the expenses being paid for by her organisation. She said that she feared Bowie would never be able to find a home, as people might not want to adopt her knowing she is a fighting dog.

Another dog owner, Mrs Lai, said that she and her husband attended the hearing with a lawyer.

She adopted Baku, an eight-year-old licensed as a mongrel, around four years ago. The dog was taken from their home in late August, after the AFCD said it received a case regarding a “suspected unregistered fighting dog.”

The board, too, upheld the earlier decision designating her as a fighting dog.

Laws toughened

Hong Kong authorities’ hardened regulations on dogs comes after fatal dog attacks last month made headlines and prompted authorities to review the city’s laws relating to canines.

In August, a dog – reportedly a Spanish mastiff – killed two smaller dogs in separate incidents in Yuen Long.

A woman working at a dog shelter in Ta Kwu Ling was also killed by a dog that the AFCD later said was a fighting dog.

While veterinarians have criticised the AFCD’s approach of using breed to determine the danger posed by a dog, the department has defended its policies.

“Fighting dogs may attack suddenly without warning due to their characteristics,” the AFCD told HKFP last month.

See also: ‘Deed, not breed’: Owners and experts push back on stigma against ‘fighting dogs’

“Their well-developed musculature and powerful jaws, coupled with a tenacious biting tendency, often result in more severe injuries when attacks occur.”

Dog owners whose pets are classified as a fighting dog can launch an appeal within 14 days. The board members include veterinarians, dog breeders, academics, and representatives from animal welfare organisations, according to the AFCD.

Earlier this month, a woman was killed while cycling at night in Yuen Long after a suspected dog attack. Police said CCTV footage showed three dogs chasing her while she was riding a bike.

After that, the AFCD and the police mounted an operation, capturing eight stray dogs in the area. Among them, three were microchipped but their licences had expired, the department said.

Safeguard press freedom; keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team

Support HKFP  |  Policies & Ethics  |  Error/typo?  |  Contact  |  Newsletter  | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps