Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan on Friday said authorities will review the legal definition of "fighting dogs" and plan to submit legislative amendment proposals to the Legislative Council within this year.

Writing on social media, Tse said officials will also conduct a comprehensive review of control measures for dangerous and large dogs to ensure public and animal safety.

The move follows initial findings showing that the dog, believed to have fatally attacked a woman at a dog hotel and training centre in Ta Kwu Ling on Thursday, is a fighting breed.

The import and breeding of fighting dogs are strictly banned in Hong Kong.

Existing fighting dogs must be neutered, securely muzzled, held on a leash no longer than 1.5 metres, and wear a distinct collar at all times in public places.

At a press briefing on Friday, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Mickey Lai said the dog involved was microchipped, but was incorrectly classified as a mongrel.

“The dog, we have detained now in our animal management centre, and we will take good care of the dog because it may form part of the investigation. Also, we will spend more effort and time to assess the breeding of this dog and also the behaviour of this dog,” he said.

Currently, only four types of canines – Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Fila Braziliero and their crossbreeds – are classified as fighting dogs.


Edited by Aaron Tam