Growing backlash after Hong Kong authorities seize second fighting dog in a week
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong authorities are facing mounting criticism after the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department seized an eight-year-old dog named Baku from its owner, who was denied visitation rights. The dog was classified as a pit bull terrier during a neighbourhood complaint investigation, marking the second such seizure in a week. A local animal shelter has written an open letter demanding transparency and the dog's immediate release. The backlash comes amid heightened public concern following a series of recent dog attacks, including one that killed a woman and another that claimed two small pets.
Key Points
- The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department took Baku from its home on Friday evening following a neighbour's complaint, with the owner denied visiting rights
- The shelter Home for Homeless Dog says Baku was adopted four years ago, microchipped, neutered, and officially licensed as a mongrel under the government's registration system
- Officers determined the dog was a pit bull terrier on the spot after taking photos and videos, threatening to call police if the owner refused to cooperate
- Social media users have written to the department in large numbers to protest the seizure of unlicensed fighting dogs with no attack history
- The incident follows a series of recent attacks including one where a woman was mauled to death and another that killed two small pet dogs
Why It Matters
The seizure highlights growing tensions between pet owners and authorities over breed classification and enforcement of fighting dog regulations. The shelter warns the department's lack of professional judgment and transparency could turn it into a tool for neighbour disputes and trigger a wave of pet abandonments across the community .
The seizure highlights growing tensions between pet owners and authorities over breed classification and enforcement of fighting dog regulations. The shelter warns the department's lack of professional judgment and transparency could turn it into a tool for neighbour disputes and trigger a wave of pet abandonments across the community .