Owner arrested over fatal Yuen Long dog attacks and dog planned to be put down

The owner of a large dog suspected of mauling two smaller dogs to death in Yuen Long has been arrested.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in Hong Kong said in a statement on Tuesday night that it had arrested the owner of the dog earlier that day and collected a statement regarding the case.

The recent incident happened on Monday, when an unaccompanied Tibetan Mastiff bit a Bichon Frisé and did not let go. It occurred at the pet-friendly Dot Park outside Yoho Mall in Yuen Long, according to an online video. Around 20 minutes before the Bichon Frisé was attacked, a poodle was also allegedly attacked by the same canine at a public transit hub near the mall, police told local media.

On Wednesday, Jackie Yip, an assistant director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said the authorities were discussing with the owner as to whether to keep the dog or place it in the care of the government.

The AFCD added that the dog was previously detained by the department in July due to another dog attack case, but the animal was then returned to its owner, who was warned to keep it on a leash no longer than two metres in public places.

If a dog is declared a “known dangerous dog” in Hong Kong, it must be desexed, muzzled and leashed in public and wear a specific, government-approved collar. A magistrate can also rule that a dog that is a public hazard be destroyed humanely.

Tibetan Mastiffs are a highly territorial breed and may attack other dogs. It is understood that the dog owner regretted signing the abandonment agreement, saying that he did not understand that “disposal” meant humane euthanasia. He also said that “Larry” was docile and affectionate, and hoped that the abandonment could be cancelled to save his precious life.