AFCD to start inspecting dogs in public areas for rabies vaccine records starting today

Starting today, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will conduct checks on dogs in public areas for rabies vaccination records and chip implants.

Pet owners will be instantly charged if they committed relevant offences.

This as an animal rights group says the risk of rabies remains high in Hong Kong, and suggests authorities pour their resources into tackling the city's stray dog problem.

Under the Rabies Regulation, dogs aged five months or above must receive chip implants as well as rabies vaccination.

Dog owners must then obtain a relevant license which should be renewed every three years upon the subsequent vaccination.

But according government data, only 150,000 pet dogs out of the total 220,000 in the city have received chip implants as of two years ago.

The AFCD is stepping up efforts to enforce the pet regulation, and will begin inspecting pet dogs for chip implants and vaccine records in public areas starting today.

Pet owners found to have committed relevant offences will be immediately charged with a maximum fine of up to 10,000 dollars.

Some residents share their thoughts on the new measure.

This woman says the regulation helps to protect pet dogs and prevent the spread of rabies.

While this man says the measure increases the safety of non-pet owning residents who fear dog bites, adding its is beneficial for the whole community.

This as an animal rights' group spokesperson says illegal pet trafficking remains rampant in the city, and urges authorities to ensure the measure is aimed at the right target.