HONG KONG (ANN/CHINA DAILY) – Authorities in Hong Kong are investigating a fatal dog attack that left two pet dogs dead, with the owner of the attacking animal arrested and the dog facing possible euthanasia.

The incident occurred on Monday near Yoho Mall in Yuen Long, where a five-year-old mixed-breed Spanish Mastiff weighing about 50 kilogrammes allegedly attacked and killed a poodle and a bichon frise within about 20 minutes.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said the dog’s owner had been arrested, while the animal is being held under observation at the department’s animal management centre.

According to the AFCD, the same dog had previously been involved in another attack on July 10. After that incident, the owner was warned that the animal must be kept under proper control and on a leash no longer than two metres when in public.

Local media reported that the owner, identified only as Mr Ng, kept the dog at his village home. The dog allegedly escaped by digging under a fenced enclosure while the owner was at work.

Animal welfare group Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter said the dog had been abandoned several times before being adopted by its current owner. The group claimed the dog had not previously shown aggression towards people and offered to take custody of the animal for behavioural rehabilitation.

The owner reportedly acknowledged responsibility for the incident and said he hoped to prevent the dog from being euthanised by placing it under professional training and ensuring it would be muzzled and properly restrained in future.

Assistant Director of the AFCD Jackie Yip said euthanasia remained one of the options under consideration if the dog is ultimately surrendered to the government.

The incident has renewed public debate over responsible pet ownership and the handling of dangerous dogs.

Under Hong Kong’s Dangerous Dogs Regulation, dogs weighing 20 kilogrammes or more must be kept on a leash no longer than two metres in public. Violations can result in a fine of up to HKD25,000 and a prison sentence of up to three months.

The Rabies Ordinance also requires all dogs to be kept on a leash or otherwise under proper control in public places, with offenders liable to a fine of up to HKD10,000.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin