Unleashed dog in fatal mauling case may be put down

LATEST (As of 7:49 pm): The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has charged the 52-year-old owner of the dog which mauled two smaller canines to death with failing to properly control the animal. The case is scheduled for a court hearing tomorrow. It was also noted that the owner has signed a consent form surrendering custody of the dog to the AFCD.

A large dog that mauled two smaller dogs to death at a shopping mall in Yuen Long was allegedly allowed to roam freely by its owner.

An animal welfare group, however, says the owner was unaware of the incident when the attack occurred.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said if the owner surrenders the dog to the government, the department may consider euthanising it.

The large dog in question lives in Tung Shing Lei, about one kilometre from the Yuen Long shopping mall where the attack took place.

A metal fence can be seen outside the house, with a hole at one section.

Residents said the owner keeps two dogs -- both are allowed to roam freely.

The larger dog is frequently seen wandering around the village.

A resident there says there used to be two dogs but in recent months, they haven't seen them as much.

Some residents say they also saw the larger dog out and about on the day of the incident, noting it might have made its way to downtown Yuen Long.

According to the animal-rights group which has been in touch with the dog's owner, the dog, named Larry, is a Spanish Mastiff.

The group says Larry had been abandoned by its previous owners three times.

A volunteer with the Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter says on the day of the incident, the owner was at work and wasn't home.

The AFCD gave him an abandonment form, effectively asking him to surrender the dog.

According to AFCD guidelines, a dog that attacks a person or another animal without being provoked, causing serious injury or death, may be classified as a "known dangerous dog."

Such dogs are required to be neutered and fitted with a designated collar.

Larry had bitten another dog at the same shopping mall last month.

Speaking on a radio programme, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department says if the owner ultimately decides to surrender the dog to the government, there may be a need to consider euthanising the dog.

As concerns grow over owners allowing dogs to roam freely, the AFCD says it will step up relevant publicity efforts.

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(Government Press Release) 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 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 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 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.

Ends/Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Issued at HKT 20:55