A Guide to Dog Laws in Hong Kong Starring your dog as: Bo-Bo You as: Bo-Bo’s best friend & owner As Bo Bo’s best friend, you are proud to help him explore public places. He can create fun and excitement wherever he goes. Bo Bo always tries to make friends with everyone. But you as his best friend need to make sure he understands and practices the local laws. These laws have been created by the Government of Hong Kong to maintain harmony between the people and dogs of Hong Kong. Bo-Bo loves adventure and is anxious to explore Hong Kong with his owner. But he can get into dangerous situations when alone!

Scene 1 Dogs need to be registered His owner must protect Bo-Bo (once he reaches five months) In the following ways: Bo-Bo must have a license (once he reaches five months) Bo-Bo must be vaccinated against Rabies Bo-Bo must have a microchip implant Bo-Bo must be under control and must not go out alone Scene 2 Cost of licensing Exploring isn’t free! The dog owner must pay a fee on behalf of Bo-Bo. A license may be obtained from any of the Government Animal Management Centres (cost of license: HK$70.00) or from private veterinary clinics or the SPCA (who will charge fees accordingly).

Scene 3 Change of ownership Due to a number of different circumstances, Bo-Bo will sometimes change owners. The Government must be told if Bo-Bo has a new guild/owner ---- or change of address ---- within 5 days. Scene 4 Rights for owners and dogs The Government of Hong Kong wants everyone to feel safe and free to walk around Hong Kong. Hence, dog owners must always keep their dog on a leash and under control. Scene 5 Dogs who make too much noise Bo-Bo ----like all dogs ---- is very perceptive. It is part of his job to notice everything around him and bark if he senses danger.

But if Bo-Bo persists in barking it could be due to: Lack of training from you Insufficient exercise provided by you Loneliness – you are not spending enough time with Bo-Bo Inadequate shelter provided by you Provocation from people other than you Boredom It is up to Bo-Bo’s best friend to make sure he has everything he needs in order to ensure he doesn’t disturb his neighbours. If barking disturbs another Hong Kong resident, then the owner of the dog can be fined up to HK$10,000 under the Noise Control Ordinance Cap 400.

Scene 6 Dog attacks Not all dogs are as friendly as Bo-Bo. If a dog attacks a person (contravening Section 25 of Cap. 4210, his owner can be fined HK$10,000! The owner is always responsible for controlling his dog. Scene 7 Dangerous dogs In 1999/2000, the Government of the HKSAR will consider the following new rules to help owners control certain dogs: Keep dogs leashed and muzzled in indoor public places Keep dogs leashed in outdoor public places Please refer to the Government’s website for the latest updates: http://www.info.gob.hk/afcd

Scene 8 What dogs leave behind Not all dogs are dangerous. In fact, many dogs ----like Bo-Bo ---- make major contributions to the lives of Hong Kong people. However, even Bo-Bo sometimes leaves a few things behind! Make sure that your dog doesn’t foul in a public place or you may be fined up to HK$10,0000! Remember -Dogs don’t break laws- People do! If you would like to know anything more about dogs or your role as an owner please contact the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department on 2362 3257 or call your local Animal Management Centre: Hong Kong & Islands: 25518586 Kowloon and Sai Kung: 26914147 New Territories South: 26912191 New Territories North: 26702201 Information supplied by AFCD

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