The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) revealed today (September 6) that the unique evaluation and enforcement operations on the appropriate control of pet dogs, carried out throughout numerous areas in Hong Kong on August 30, September 5 and 6, have actually concluded effectively.

Throughout the three-day enforcement operations, AFCD officers stepped up evaluations at public locations where pet dogs gather together, and found an overall of 3 believed cases where big pets were not being firmly hung on a leash in public locations. AFCD officers will act on these cases and institute prosecutions appropriately.

An AFCD representative stated, “The special operation aimed to raise awareness among dog keepers to properly control their dogs in public places and to reduce incidents of dog attacks arising from improper control, while promoting the message of responsible pet ownership and explaining relevant statutory requirements to members of the public.”

Under the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), pets in a public location should be hung on a leash or otherwise under control. The Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D), even specifies more clearly that big pets (weighing 20 kgs or above) should be safely hung on a leash not surpassing 2 metres in length by an individual when in a public location. Breach of the pertinent requirements is accountable to a fine and jail time upon conviction.

The AFCD stressed that correctly managing pet dogs in public locations is not just a legal requirement however likewise assists protect public and animal security. The AFCD will continue to step up regular examinations and enforcement, and interest members of the general public to be accountable family pet owners by keeping their canines under appropriate control at all times. Members of the general public who want to get more information about the appropriate control of pet dogs and how to be an accountable animal owner might check out the AFCD site (www.pets.gov.hk).