Backlash grows after Hong Kong authorities seize second ‘fighting dog’ in week

Hong Kong authorities are facing a growing backlash after seizing a “fighting dog” from its owner following a neighbour’s complaint and detaining it for behavioural evaluation.

It was the second dog with pit bull lineage that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department had seized in a week. The department’s actions came amid heightened public concern over canine management, following a series of recent attacks, including one in which a woman was mauled and later found dead, and another that killed two small pet dogs.

On Sunday, many social media users said they had written to the department to complain about its seizure of unlicensed fighting dogs that did not have a history of attacks.

Local shelter Home for Homeless Dog said an eight-year-old dog named Baku – licensed as a mongrel under the government’s registration system – was taken from its home on Friday night after a complaint from a neighbour, with the owner denied visiting rights.

In an open letter to the department on Sunday, the shelter urged the authorities to allow the owner immediate visitation rights, disclose the dog’s physical and mental condition, and release it as soon as possible.

According to the charity, officers determined that Baku was a pit bull terrier – one of the breeds classified as “fighting dogs” and strictly regulated – on the spot after taking some photos and videos of the dog, and threatened to call police if the owner did not cooperate.