The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said it found three dog keepers allegedly failing to use leashes to control large dogs in public places during inspections on 30 August. The department said it would pursue prosecutions, but the supplied reports do not confirm that formal court proceedings have already been filed.
The enforcement operation covered Yuen Long, West Kowloon, Cyberport and Kai Tak. The AFCD also distributed leaflets reminding dog keepers that they must keep their dogs under proper control in public places.
Under the requirement cited in both reports, dogs weighing 20kg or more must be securely controlled in public places with a leash no longer than two metres.
Ming Pao reported that the Rabies Ordinance requires dogs in public places to be controlled with a leash or by another effective method. It said the Dangerous Dogs Regulation sets the separate two-metre leash requirement for dogs weighing at least 20kg, and that breaches can result in a fine and imprisonment.
The AFCD said it would continue inspections at multiple locations across Hong Kong on 5 and 6 September. The supplied reports do not specify the locations of the three cases, the dogs’ weights, the identities of the people involved or any court hearing dates.
The three dog keepers are alleged to have breached the control requirements. The AFCD’s stated next steps are to pursue prosecutions and continue territory-wide patrols.