AFCD Lays Charges Against Keeper Involved in Yuen Long Dog Attack Case Resulting in Injuries and Deaths of Other Dogs

AFCD lays charges against keeper involved in Yuen Long dog attack case

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (August 19) charged a 52-year-old man under the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D) for failing to properly control a large dog, and is following up on laying additional charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169).

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Photo source: reference image

The man concerned is suspected of failing to securely hold his dog on a leash in public places in accordance with legal requirements on at least two occasions between July and August 2026. The dog involved attacked three other dogs, resulting in one dog being injured on July 10 and death of two dogs on August 17. The case will be brought to Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 20).

The dog concerned is currently under observation at the AFCD's animal management centre. The man concerned has signed a consent form surrendering the custody of the dog to the AFCD. The AFCD will conduct a temperament assessment on the dog to determine the appropriate handling method.

The large dog implicated in the case, Photo source: threads image

The AFCD attaches great importance to the matter and will work closely with the Department of Justice to carry out investigation and prosecution work. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, any person who wantonly or unreasonably does or fails to do any act, thereby causing any animal to suffer unnecessary pain, commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years.

The AFCD emphasised that under existing legislation, all dog keepers, or any person who causes, permits or allows the dog to appear in a public place, must control the dog by a leash or other means to avoid causing nuisance or harm to other people or animals. Large dogs (weighing 20 kilograms or above) must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length. The AFCD has stepped up dog licence inspections and will strictly enforce the law against non-compliance to safeguard animal health and public safety. Dog keepers should not assume that non-compliance will go undetected.

The Yuen Long dog attack case, Photo source: online image

The AFCD will continue to collaborate with animal welfare organisations to strengthen education on the control responsibilities of dog handlers, and provide dog training courses covering dog behavioural issues and training skills. The AFCD is also reviewing whether the deterrent effect of existing penalties is sufficient to combat irresponsible behavior by dog keepers.

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes

Two incoming male passengers were each sentenced to six months' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (September 7) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted two incoming Mainland male passengers, aged 32 and 42, at Hong Kong International Airport on September 5 and 6 respectively, seized a total of 61 816 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $280,000 and a duty potential of about $205,000 from their personal baggage. The two passengers were subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases