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.

Hong Kong Customs arrests financial manager and administrative manager of beauty company

Hong Kong Customs conducted an enforcement operation today (August 19) to combat unfair trade practices by beauty companies. An investigation was launched into a retailer suspected of engaging in aggressive commercial practices when selling skincare products and beauty devices. During the operation, a financial manager and an administrative manager of the company involved were arrested for suspected violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (the Ordinance). The investigation is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

Hong Kong Customs, Photo source: reference image

Customs once again appeals to customers who suspect they have been subjected to such unfair trade practices to contact Customs as soon as possible.

Customs reminds traders that they must comply with the requirements of the Ordinance, and advises consumers to patronize reputable merchants. Consumers should remain calm before purchasing services or products. If they do not fully understand the product details and prices, or do not wish to make a purchase, they should firmly refuse to sign any sales documents or make any payments.

The beauty company implicated in the case, Photo source: threads image

Under the Ordinance, any trader who uses harassment, coercion, or undue influence to restrict or impair a consumer's freedom of choice or conduct, thereby causing the consumer to make a transactional decision, commits the offense of aggressive commercial practices. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Customs has always attached great importance to consumer rights protection and has zero tolerance for unfair trade practices, pledging to continue its stringent enforcement action against unscrupulous traders.

Members of the public who encounter unfair trade practices or suspect a trader has violated the Ordinance should report it as soon as possible by calling the Customs' 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or via the crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

The beauty company implicated in the case, Photo source: threads image