AFCD Director Defends Fighting Dog Regulations Amid Rising Complaints
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has confirmed 34 dogs in Hong Kong have been classified as fighting breeds, an increase from the previously announced 29. AFCD Director Leung Kin-ming addressed concerns about the rising number of complaints, stating the department collaborates with dog owners through home inspections or assessments at animal management centres rather than forcibly removing animals. He emphasized the regulations aim to ensure public safety while allowing owners to keep fighting breeds under strict control measures.
Key Points
- AFCD Director Leung Kin-ming clarified that officers conduct evening home visits to assess dogs in coordination with owners, not through forced removal
- The current count of classified fighting breed dogs stands at 34, up from 29, with approximately 6 new assessments conducted in the past two weeks
- Fighting breed dogs in public must wear muzzles, be leashed with a maximum 1.5-metre tether, and display specific identification tags
- Dogs weighing 20 kilograms or more require leashes no longer than 2 metres in public spaces
- AFCD maintains a dedicated team monitoring online platforms for illegal pet trafficking and works with Hong Kong Customs and mainland authorities on cross-border enforcement
Why It Matters
The increasing identification of fighting breed dogs highlights growing public awareness of dangerous dog risks, while the director's assurance of no malicious reporting suggests community support for the regulatory framework. This regulatory approach balancing public safety with owners' rights could set a precedent for pet management policies across the region.
The increasing identification of fighting breed dogs highlights growing public awareness of dangerous dog risks, while the director's assurance of no malicious reporting suggests community support for the regulatory framework. This regulatory approach balancing public safety with owners' rights could set a precedent for pet management policies across the region.