Pet Owner Barred from Leaving Hong Kong Pending Trial Over Fatal Dog Attacks
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 52-year-old Yuen Long resident has been barred from leaving Hong Kong after his large dog allegedly killed two smaller pets and injured a third in separate incidents. Ng Shui-ting appeared at Tuen Mun Court on Thursday facing two charges from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for failing to properly restrain his 60kg animal. The case has drawn widespread media attention following the fatal attacks on Monday at YohoMall.
Key Points
- Ng Shui-ting, 52, faces two charges for allegedly failing to keep his 60kg dog securely restrained on a leash no longer than two metres
- The incidents occurred at YohoMall on July 10 and August 17, with the dog entering and remaining in open areas while off-leash and unmuzzled
- On Monday, the dog killed a 17-year-old miniature poodle and a four-year-old bichon frise, each weighing 5kg, and injured a third smaller pet
- Acting Principal Magistrate Daniel Tang Siu-hung granted Ng HK$3,000 (US$383) bail on conditions he remain in Hong Kong, live at his Yuen Long address, and avoid contact with prosecution witnesses
- The five-year-old male dog, named "Lali," was microchipped with a valid licence and is currently in government custody
Why It Matters
The case highlights Hong Kong's strict enforcement of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation, which mandates that owners of dogs weighing 20kg or more must keep them securely restrained on a leash no longer than two metres in public places, with violators facing up to HK$25,000 fines and three months' imprisonment . Between 2023 and 2025, authorities initiated 679 prosecutions involving dog attacks under the Rabies Ordinance and Dangerous Dogs Regulation, underscoring the growing concern over dangerous dog ownership in the city .
The case highlights Hong Kong's strict enforcement of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation, which mandates that owners of dogs weighing 20kg or more must keep them securely restrained on a leash no longer than two metres in public places, with violators facing up to HK$25,000 fines and three months' imprisonment . Between 2023 and 2025, authorities initiated 679 prosecutions involving dog attacks under the Rabies Ordinance and Dangerous Dogs Regulation, underscoring the growing concern over dangerous dog ownership in the city .