Hong Kong’s Strict Leash on Dangerous Dogs

While Hong Kong’s laws on dog regulation are centuries old, the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap 167D) was enacted in 2000 under the Dogs and Cats Ordinance, targeting three categories of at-risk dogs.

First, fighting dogs. Schedule 1 lists four types and their crosses: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Braziliero. Import is banned. Breeding is banned. Possession of an unneutered fighting dog is an offence. In public places, these dogs must be muzzled, held on a leash no longer than 1.5 meters, and wear a special collar. The maximum penalty for the more serious breaches is a level 5 fine (HK$50,000) and six months’ imprisonment.

Second, known dangerous dogs. A magistrate may classify any dog—regardless of breed—as a known dangerous dog if it has attacked without provocation and caused death or serious injury, or if it has repeatedly attacked. Once classified, the same rules for neutering, muzzling, short-leash, and special collar apply.

Third, large dogs. Any dog weighing 20 kg or more (other than a fighting or known dangerous dog) must be securely held on a leash of not more than 2 meters in a public place, or tied on a 1.5-meter lead in a manner that does not endanger people, other animals or the dog itself.

The Regulation is classic breed-specific legislation mixed with conduct-based control. It assumes certain breeds carry elevated risk and treats proven aggressors accordingly. Keepers who ignore the rules face criminal prosecution. The recent charging of a keeper after fatal dog-on-dog attacks in Yuen Long shows that these incidents are taken seriously.

In Hong Kong, regardless of whether a dog is “normally gentle”, if it is of a certain breed or has a history of being dangerous, there are strict controls. A short leash is mandatory – figuratively and literally.