The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department will capture unattended dogs at high-risk locations where dog attacks on passers-by and stray dog congregations have occurred over the next four months. 

To address risks in high-density urban environments, the department noted today that unowned and uncontrolled canines may compromise public safety, as allowing them to roam unattended may cause harm to residents or other animals. Furthermore, dogs not vaccinated against rabies also threaten both public and animal health.

The department will adopt a risk-based strategy to launch for its special operations, prioritising high-risk locations.

It will also collaborate with the Police on special joint enforcement when necessary, requiring dog keepers to fulfil their responsibilities properly to safeguard community safety.

Following capture, the department will check for microchips and valid dog licences, contacting keepers via registration records and lost-and-found files. If there is sufficient evidence, the keepers will be prosecuted.

If the keepers cannot be traced, staff and veterinary officers at the department’s Animal Management Centres will assess the dogs. Those confirmed to be in good health and of a gentle temperament will be transferred to partner animal welfare organisations for sterilisation and public adoption.

To avoid posing public safety risks, the department emphasised that dogs without keepers will not be released back into the community.