AFCD requires dog keepers to properly control dogs in accordance with the law
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) this morning (October 26) received a referral from the Police of a suspected dog bite case. Officers were immediately deployed to a warehouse on Kam Pok Road, Yuen Long, where the suspected dog was taken away and sent to an Animal Management Centre for detention and observation. The dog concerned is a microchipped mongrel with a valid dog licence. The AFCD is following up the investigation and will institute prosecution if there is sufficient evidence that any person has contravened the law.
Legal requirements
An AFCD spokesman reminded members of the public, "The law clearly requires dog keepers to properly control their dogs in public places. If a dog bites a person, its keeper is also liable. A keeper is not limited to a person who owns, possesses or has custody of the animal, but also includes a person who harbours the animal, or the occupier of land or premises on which the animal is usually kept or permitted to remain. These persons must clearly understand their legal responsibilities."
Under section 23 of the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), dogs in a public place must be held on a leash or otherwise kept under proper control. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $10,000. If a dog bites a person as a result of such contravention, the keeper may also be liable to a further fine of up to $10,000. In addition, section 9 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D) stipulates that large dogs (weighing 20 kilograms or above) must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length by a person when in a public place. Contravention of this requirement is liable to a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for three months.
AFCD's enforcement actions
In a high-density urban environment, uncontrolled dogs may pose risks to public safety. To safeguard community safety, the AFCD has been conducting special inspections and enforcement operations on the proper control of dogs at various locations across Hong Kong since August. A new phase of special operations was launched on October 8. In the coming four months, priority will be given to high-risk locations where dog attacks on passers-by and congregations of stray dogs have occurred, with a view to strengthening the capturing of unattended dogs. These operations have so far captured a total of 10 unattended dogs. The AFCD will pursue the responsibilities of the keepers concerned and institute prosecutions based on the evidence obtained.
Members of the public who wish to learn more about the proper control of dogs and how to be a responsible pet owner may visit the AFCD website (www.pets.gov.hk).
Source: AI-found images
Speech by SFST at Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants Annual Dinner
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Annual Dinner of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) today (October 26):
Stephen (President of the HKICPA, Mr Stephen Law), Past Presidents, fellow members, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is my absolute pleasure to be here with you tonight at the HKICPA Annual Dinner. Every year when I join this gathering, I am delighted to see how united our accounting community is in Hong Kong. Seeing both familiar and new faces here tonight shows that fresh talent continues to join and strengthen our profession.
Tonight, as we gather to celebrate the achievements of the Institute and our community, we do so under a theme that is both timely and deeply meaningful: "A Profession with Purpose."
When people think of accounting, the immediate association is often precision, numbers, technical standards, and balance sheets. While those elements are indispensable, they only capture a fraction of what you do. What truly defines the accounting profession is not merely the mechanics of the work, but the purpose behind it. Every audit performed, every advisory role fulfilled, and every financial standard upheld contributes to something far greater: public trust, corporate governance, and economic stability. As certified public accountants, your true purpose is to act as guardians of integrity, ensuring that businesses can expand with confidence and that global investors can deploy capital with clarity.
The accounting profession serves as the essential infrastructure of our market economy and the lingua franca of the global business community. As such, its robust development is vital to Hong Kong's future as an international financial centre. Supported by world-class professional and regulatory standards, our accountancy sector is a major pillar supporting logistics and other key sectors in Hong Kong and the broader Greater Bay Area.
As the statutory professional body of Hong Kong's accounting sector, the HKICPA plays a vital and foundational role under the regulatory regime. From conducting qualification examinations and setting professional standards to establishing requirements and delivering continuous professional development training, the Institute's rich experience and extensive network remain essential in our shared journey toward a sustainable and forward-looking profession. The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau maintains close, collaborative ties with the HKICPA to formulate policies that support and elevate the sector.
Against this backdrop, allow me to highlight three areas where the HKICPA and the accounting profession are making a tangible contribution to Hong Kong's development.
First, in supporting national development and facilitating Mainland enterprises in going global. Under the "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong will continue to thrive as a two-way platform with our "super connector" and "super value-adder" role. Our national policy is to encourage Mainland enterprises to go global. Many Mainland enterprises are using Hong Kong as their springboard to go global, drawing on the city's strengths in capital raising, professional services and talent. To support their overseas operations, they need a comprehensive range of financial and professional services spanning trade finance, tax advisory and ESG (environmental, social and governance) consulting. In February 2025, the HKICPA launched a list of Hong Kong accounting firms with expertise in supporting Mainland enterprises to go global. The list now features more than 90 firms with knowledge of diverse overseas markets and the associated accounting and tax regulatory requirements. By leveraging deep expertise in overseas regulations and tax frameworks, our accountants enable Mainland enterprises to scale globally, serving national development with Hong Kong's distinct strength.
Second, in powering our innovation economy. The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government is investing heavily in artificial intelligence, fintech, and advanced manufacturing to position Hong Kong as a leading hub for innovation, commercialisation, and talent attraction. Accountants can play a vital role in enabling and scaling up these technologies for economic growth. In this regard, I commend the HKICPA for regularly organising workshops and training programs that equip our professional accountants with the practical insights needed to embrace artificial intelligence effectively in their daily practice.
Third, in advancing green and sustainable finance. As corporations and investors increasingly prioritise ESG solutions, Hong Kong is accelerating its transition to full adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) - Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) no later than 2028. We are particularly proud that the HKICPA was officially appointed as an ISSB Training Partner by the IFRS Foundation in June 2026. This partnership underscores the Institute's leadership in equipping our professionals with cutting-edge sustainability expertise.
As our economy grows and technology advances, new specialisations are emerging at the intersection of accounting, technology, and sustainability. Coupled with a steady demand for high-quality professional services, there are abundant, rewarding career opportunities for newly qualified accountants and young talent entering the field. The accounting sector forms a critical pillar supporting our financial markets, powered by over 48 000 accounting professionals who fuel the growth of our financial services industry. The HKSAR Government remains fully committed to supporting the sustainable, long-term development of this important talent pool.
Ladies and gentlemen, a profession driven by purpose is a profession that shapes the future. As we look ahead, I am confident that the HKICPA and our entire accounting community will continue to lead with integrity, adapt with agility, and champion excellence. Thank you once again for your immense contributions to Hong Kong, and I wish you all a wonderful and memorable evening.
Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
