HONG KONG — The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has charged a 52-year-old man for failing to properly control a large dog, after a fatal attack in Yuen Long that left two small pets dead.

Besides pressing the charges under the Dangerous Dogs Regulation on Wednesday, the department is also following up on laying additional charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, according to a government statement.

The incident occurred on Monday near Yoho Mall in Yuen Long, where a 5-year-old mixed-breed Spanish Mastiff named “Larry,” weighing 50 kg, went on a rampage. Within 20 minutes, the unleashed dog fatally mauled a poodle and a Bichon Frise, according to media reports.

The dog’s owner, identified as Mr Ng, was reportedly at work at the time and unaware of the attack.

According to the AFCD, the 52-year-old suspect allegedly failed to securely hold his dog on a leash in public places on at least two occasions between July and August 2026. The July 10 incident resulted in the injury of one dog, and the Aug 17 incident caused the death of two dogs.

The case was scheduled to be brought to Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

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Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, any person who wantonly or unreasonably does or fails to do any act, thereby causing any animal to suffer unnecessary pain, commits an offence. Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine of HK$200,000 and imprisonment for three years.

Dog’s fate

The dog is currently under observation at the AFCD’s animal management center. The dog owner has signed a consent form surrendering custody of the dog to the AFCD, according to the AFCD.

The AFCD will conduct a temperament assessment on the dog to determine the appropriate handling method. If the owner does not reclaim the dog, it may face euthanasia. The department is also investigating whether the dog has rabies.

Kent, head of the animal protection group Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter, told the media that he has been in contact with the dog owner. Ng lives in a village house and kept Larry outdoors, enclosed by corrugated metal sheeting. Kent said the dog had a habit of digging holes in sandy ground to escape. After the July 10 incident, Ng reinforced the ground, but Larry managed to dig his way out again on Aug 17.

Quoting Ng, Kent said Larry has a sad history of multiple abandonments over the past five years, having passed through four different owners.

Kent argued that the large dog is innocent, emphasizing that it has never shown aggression toward humans. “You should punish the owner, not use Larry,” he said.

He added that his organization is willing to take in Larry, find a trainer for him, and ensure all safety measures are followed.

AFCD’s stance

The AFCD said it attached great importance to the matter and said it will work closely with the Department of Justice to carry out investigation and prosecution work.

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The department emphasized that under existing legislation, all dog keepers must control the dog by leash or other means to avoid causing nuisance or harm to other people or animals. Large dogs weighing 20 kilograms or above must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two meters in length.

The AFCD has stepped up dog license inspections and will strictly enforce the law against non-compliance to safeguard animal health and public safety. The department is also reviewing whether the deterrent effect of existing penalties is sufficient to combat irresponsible behavior by dog keepers.