Hong Kong authorities to get tough on careless dog owners during special operations

Hong Kong authorities will take enforcement action against dog owners who fail to keep their pets under control during special operations taking place on Sunday and the following weekend in response to a spate of canine attacks.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) also said on Friday that it seized a fighting dog at a restaurant in Stanley two days earlier after conducting an inspection in response to a complaint.

It said that it would prosecute the owner if there was sufficient evidence of wrongdoing.

The AFCD added that it would conduct special operations on Sunday and the following weekend.

“During the special operations, [department] officers will step up inspections and enforcement at public places where dogs congregate,” a spokesman said.

“If dog keepers are found not to have properly controlled their dogs in accordance with the legal requirements, the [department] will take immediate enforcement action without warning in advance.”