The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has charged a 52-year-old man on Wednesday night with failing to properly control a large dog, which attacked and killed two smaller canines in Yuen Long earlier this week.

The man will appear at Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts on Thursday.

Officers are also considering laying additional charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, which carries stiffer penalties.

In a statement, the AFCD said the owner allegedly failed to securely hold his dog on a leash in public on at least two occasions since July.

His dog attacked three other canines, injuring one on July 10 and killing two on August 17.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Regulation, dogs weighing 20kg or above must be kept on a leash of no longer than two metres when out in public. Owners, upon conviction, are liable to a fine of HK$25,000 and three months' imprisonment.

If charges are pressed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, the man faces a maximum fine of HK$200,000 and imprisonment for three years.

"The AFCD attaches great importance to the matter and will work closely with the Department of Justice to carry out investigation and prosecution work," the statement read.

At the same time, officers are reviewing whether existing penalties pose sufficient deterrent effect to combat irresponsible behaviour by dog keepers.

The dog involved in the current case, meanwhile, is now under observation at the AFCD's animal management centre.

The department will "conduct a temperament assessment on the dog to determine the appropriate handling method", with the owner already signing a consent form to surrender custody of the animal.



Edited by Raymond Yeung