Debate on dog ownership and control much needed in Hong Kong

People and dogs usually coexist peacefully in Hong Kong. The recent licensing of nearly 1,000 restaurants to admit dogs is evidence of that. The deaths of two young women after they had been mauled by dogs therefore comes as a shock. They have prompted reflection and soul-searching about the canine legal and regulatory regime and the responsibilities and accountability of pet owners.

The government has pledged to review and strengthen its policy on stray dogs, which were apparently involved in one of the attacks. That has to be welcomed. What also has to be borne in mind is that dogs reflect an environment shaped and controlled by people; some canines have been abandoned and left to fend for themselves after being trained as guard dogs.

Growing public safety concerns are understandable. Last month, a large, unleashed dog killed two small dogs near a shopping mall in Yuen Long. In the same week, a 33-year-old woman, who operated a pet-training and boarding centre in Ta Kwu Ling, was found dead after being attacked by a big mixed-breed dog awaiting adoption when she tried to return it to its cage after letting it out for feeding. She was alone at the time. Her injuries included head and neck wounds.