Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ7: Operation of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation

Following is a question by the Hon. Wong Yung-kan and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment and Food, Mrs Lily Yam, at the Legislative Council meeting today (February 7) :

Question:

Regarding the operation of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167 sub. Leg.), will the Government inform this Council:

a) of the number of dog keepers prosecuted for contravening the Regulation and the average penalty imposed by courts on those who have been convicted;

b) of the number of large dogs which have passed the examination set by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for exempting dogs from the requirement of being held or tied on leashes in public places; and

c) how it enforces the requirement that large dogs have to be held or tied on leashes in public places,

since the Regulation came into effect last year?

Reply :

a) Provisions under the Dangerous Dogs Regulation made under the Dogs and Cats Ordinance concerning the control of fighting dogs and known dangerous dogs came into effect on 17 June 2000 and those concerning the control of large dogs came into effect on 17 November 2000. So far no dog keeper has been prosecuted or convicted for contravening such provisions.

b) So far 167 large dogs have passed the exemption examination held by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

c) To enforce the provisions under the Dogs and Cats Ordinance and the Dangerous Dogs Regulation including the requirement that large dogs have to be held or tied on leashes in public places, AFCD staff regularly inspect public places, including popular locations where dog keepers exercise their dogs. The number of monthly inspections ranges from 200 to 300. The staff also carry out investigations on public complaints.

Wednesday, February 7, 2001