The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) captured a total of eight unattended dogs during a five-day operation following a suspected fatal dog attack on Pok Wai South Road in Yuen Long on September 19. The operation was conducted in collaboration with Police.

The captured dogs have been transferred to the AFCD's Animal Management Centre for detention and observation. Among the animals, three were found to be implanted with microchips, though their licences had expired.

Following an initial investigation, the AFCD has instituted a prosecution against the registered keeper of one dog for failing to hold a valid licence and failing to keep the animal under proper control in a public place. The AFCD highlighted that it is making every effort to investigate the remaining cases and is co-operating with Police to help establish the facts of the incident.

Separately, a frontline AFCD staff member sustained a dog bite to the hand while performing duties on September 23. His condition remains stable after treatment, and he is currently under observation in hospital.

Regarding the handling of unattended dogs, the AFCD noted it will continue to arrange targeted capture and enforcement operations at locations with serious stray problems using a risk-based approach.

The AFCD also solemnly clarified that rumours alleging it engages in "convenience culling" or euthanises animals fours days after intake are untrue. It pointed out that the statutory four-day period is simply the timeframe required by law for the AFCD to make enquiries and locate keepers.

Following any capture, staff check whether the dogs are microchipped and licensed to contact keepers and cross-reference lost-and-found records. If a keeper cannot be traced, staff and veterinary officers at the Animal Management Centres will continue to patiently observe the animals.

To prevent public safety risks, the AFCD emphasised that it will not release dogs back into the community, stressing that sterilisation alone cannot eliminate the risks associated with unowned and uncontrolled dogs in a high-density urban environment.

Instead, the AFCD manages stray animals using a multi-pronged approach in line with international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health. This strategy includes collaborating with animal welfare organisations to promote sterilisation and adoption, alongside continuous public education on responsible pet ownership.