Hong Kong to review 'fighting dog' regulations following fatal attack

Hong Kong environment authorities have said they will review the definition of fighting dogs and relevant regulations to strengthen public safety, a day after the owner of a pet training facility was attacked by a canine suspected of being a mixed-breed fighting dog and was later found dead.

Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan made the announcement on Friday as the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) investigated the origins of the dog, which weighs about 30kg (66lbs), and monitored it under quarantine.

“I have asked my colleagues to review the definition and the list of ‘fighting dogs’ and to conduct a comprehensive review of relevant control measures to strengthen the management of dangerous and large dogs and ensure the safety of residents and animals,” Tse said in a social media post.

“In addition to strengthening penalties, I have instructed colleagues to also explore more practical and feasible measures to raise dog owners’ awareness of the law and their sense of responsibility, and strive to submit the recommendations to the Legislative Council’s panel on food safety and environmental hygiene for discussion this year.”

AFCD director Mickey Lai Kin-ming said on Friday the dog’s microchip indicated it was a mongrel but department officials believed the canine was a mixed-breed fighting dog.

“Fighting dogs can be aggressive. We have a different management system for them, which is separate from that for large dogs that weigh 20kg or above,” Lai said, explaining the stricter requirements for fighting dogs, such as having them neutered or spayed.