A heartbreaking incident occurred today (August 17th) at YOHO, Yuen Long, where a small dog was fatally attacked by a large dog on the estate's platform. We extend our deepest condolences to the owner who lost their beloved pet and understand that pets are indispensable family members to their owners.
Large dogs, due to their size, strength, and bite force, pose a significantly higher potential risk to public safety. Owners of large dogs must assume a greater responsibility for their well-being, including but not limited to:
• Ensuring they have sufficient control over their dogs;
• Providing ongoing, professional behavioral training and socialization;
• Taking additional protective measures in public or semi-public spaces (including estate platforms) (such as using muzzles when necessary, shortening leashes, and maintaining safe distances);
• Regularly assessing the behavioral risks of their dogs and seeking professional assistance when necessary.
Under the Dangerous Dogs Regulations (Chapter 167D), dogs weighing 20 kg or more are classified as "large dogs." The law clearly stipulates that large dogs must be securely leashed with a leash no longer than 2 meters in public places, or, under certain conditions, tied to a fixed object. Violators are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for 3 months.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) also has a "Large Dog Exemption Examination," which allows well-trained large dogs to be exempted from leashing in public places after passing temperament and control assessments. However, even after passing the exam, the dog must remain within the owner's immediate control at all times and wear an AFCD badge; otherwise, the exemption will be void.
We strongly urge the police and AFCD to investigate the following matters during this case:
• Whether the large dog in question was securely leashed with a leash no longer than 2 meters as required by law at the time of the incident;
• Whether the dog had passed the "Large Dog Exemption Examination" and met the exemption conditions at the time of the incident;
• Whether the dog owner fulfilled their duty of care to ensure they had full control over the large dog.
We urge all dog owners, especially those owning large dogs, to acknowledge and fulfill their management responsibilities. We also support the relevant departments in thoroughly investigating the cause of this incident and reviewing whether current dog management measures are sufficient to protect public safety.
Every pet's life deserves to be treated with utmost care. We hope society can learn from this tragedy and work together to promote a more responsible pet ownership culture to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Hong Kong Pet Nutrition Society
August 17, 2026
