Yuen Long Dog Attack: Owner Watches Helplessly as 60kg Unleashed Aggressor Sinks Its Teeth into Her Bichon and Never Lets Go

A tragic dog-on-dog attack in Yuen Long on August 17 has sparked widespread concern across Hong Kong. An unleashed dog weighing approximately 60 kilograms fatally attacked a 17-year-old miniature poodle and a 4-year-old bichon frise.

The tragic dog-on-dog attack in Yuen Long on August 17, Photo source: online image

The bichon frise's owner posted on social media on August 18 to recount the harrowing incident.

She said she was walking her dog, "Meimei," at the YOHO Lollipop Park as usual when a large dog, about half a person's height, suddenly charged out and clamped its jaws around Meimei's neck. The owner and nearby passersby tried everything to stop the attack, kicking the large dog, spraying water on its nose, and offering treats, but the dog refused to let go. She could only watch helplessly as her beloved pet died.

The owner of "Meimei" could only watch helplessly as her beloved pet died. Photo source: online image

Even after Meimei had died, the attacking dog remained guarding the body. It was only after police arrived and restrained the dog that the owner could retrieve her pet's remains. 

In the owner's post, she described Meimei as "a little angel of the family" and said she and her family were heartbroken and could not sleep through the night. "I just want to hold her and kiss her again. I can't believe she left us so suddenly," she wrote. The owner said the large dog's owner never appeared at the scene.

The bichon frise "Meimei," Photo source: online image

In response to the incident, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that the large dog was taken to the department's Animal Management Centre. After checking, it was found to have a microchip and a valid dog licence. Officers are contacting the owner based on the licence information and are investigating the case. AFCD noted that if there is sufficient evidence, prosecution will be initiated.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Photo source: news.gov.hk

AFCD reminds dog owners that they must exercise proper control over their dogs at all times, including securely leashing large dogs with a lead, to prevent any nuisance or harm to other people or animals.

FEHD reminds public to comply with regulations when dining out with dogs during Halloween

With Halloween approaching, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October18) reminded members of the public who plan to bring their dogs along when dining out to confirm in advance whether the restaurant concerned is permitted to admit dogs and to comply with the relevant law and regulations. At present, over 990 restaurants hold permits allowing dogs to enter. Persons-in-charge of these restaurants must ensure that their premises comply with the relevant licensing conditions and statutory requirements, step up staff supervision and remind customers bringing dogs of the relevant requirements, so as to safeguard public safety and hygiene.

A spokesman for the FEHD stressed that both restaurant operators and dog owners have the responsibility to comply with the relevant regulations. Restaurants without permission must observe the law and must not allow customers to bring dogs onto their premises. Members of the public who bring dogs into non-permitted restaurants also commit an offence. The department will continue to conduct risk-based inspections and take enforcement action against any irregularities.

The spokesman added that, since the measure of allowing dogs to enter permitted restaurants was implementedon July 9, the FEHD has assisted the trade and members of the public in complying with the relevant requirements through ongoing inspections, publicity and education. Following the initial one-month adaptation period, the department has adopted a pragmatic and flexible enforcement strategy, conducting risk-based inspections to strike an appropriate balance between promoting pet inclusivity and safeguarding food safety and public hygiene.

Regarding restaurants which unlawfully allow dogs to enter, the FEHD has, to date, initiated 20 prosecutions against offending restaurants and seven prosecutions against persons who unlawfully brought dogs into such restaurants. In addition, the FEHD has taken stringent enforcement action against serious breaches committed by customers bringing dogs to permitted restaurants, including four prosecutions for failing to keep dogs securely on a leash.

The spokesman reiterated that permitted restaurants must strictly comply with the law and licensing conditions. These include prohibiting open-flame cooking at dining tables; refusing entry of fighting dogs or known dangerous dogs; and forbidding dogs access to food rooms.At all times while in a restaurant, a dog must be securely held by an adult on a leash not exceeding 1.5 metres in length, or securely tethered to a fixture. Dog owners must also ensure that their dogs are properly controlled at all times. The FEHD will take decisive enforcement action against any violations.

The FEHD again appealed to restaurants and customers to comply with the law and the relevant requirements, fulfil their respective responsibilities and help maintain a pleasant dining environment and public hygiene, thereby promoting pet inclusivity. Members of the public may visit the FEHD's dedicated webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/dog_restaurants_list.html) for relevant information and the full list of permitted restaurants.

FEHD reminds public to comply with regulations when dining out with dogs during Halloween Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FEHD reminds public to comply with regulations when dining out with dogs during Halloween Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases