Three Dog Owners Lose Appeals Against 'Fighting Dog' Designations
HKFP · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Three dog owners have lost their appeals against the government's decision to classify their pets as "fighting dogs," designations imposed as authorities tightened regulations following fatal dog attacks in August. The Dogs and Cats Classification Board, an advisory board to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), held three back-to-back appeal hearings at the Kowloon Animal Management Centre on Wednesday. After the hearings, owners were handed documents confirming their pets had been determined to be fighting dogs.
Key Points
- Since August 20, the AFCD has identified seven dogs as fighting dogs, triggering strict regulations including mandatory muzzles and bans from dog-friendly restaurants .
- Mr Ho's dog Bao Bao, previously licensed as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was seized by AFCD officers at a cafe in Stanley last month and reclassified as a Pit Bull Terrier .
- The four dog types classified as fighting dogs are Pit Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinos, Japanese Tosas, and Fila Brasileiros, with Staffordshire Bull Terriers grouped under Pit Bull Terrier type .
- Mr Ho presented the board with messages from Stanley residents attesting to Bao Bao's friendly and gentle temperament, but said board members did not directly address his concerns .
- Jacqueline Cheung, founder of Love Adopt Animal Society, brought Bowie to the appeal hearing; her non-profit is now caring for Bowie after the previous owner surrendered the dog following its fighting dog designation .
Why It Matters
The ruling sets a precedent that could affect numerous dog owners in Hong Kong whose pets fall under the four designated breeds. The strict muzzle and access restrictions significantly impact owners' daily lives and raise questions about whether breed-specific legislation effectively addresses public safety concerns following the August attacks .
The ruling sets a precedent that could affect numerous dog owners in Hong Kong whose pets fall under the four designated breeds. The strict muzzle and access restrictions significantly impact owners' daily lives and raise questions about whether breed-specific legislation effectively addresses public safety concerns following the August attacks .