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 The
Dangerous Dogs Regulation
The Dangerous Dogs Regulation was passed by the Legislative Council on
17 May 2000.
All requirements in the regulation relating to fighting dogs and known
dangerous dogs came into effect on June 17 2000. Requirements for those
relating to the possession of an unneutered fighting dog, which is subject
to a 120 transitional period, ending on October 15 2000.
Regulations relating to large dogs came into effect on 17 November 2000.
Note: The Director has published in the gazette require all fighting
dogs and known dangerous dogs to be identified by a special collar.
Under this regulation additional controls will be placed on three categories
of dogs:
1. Fighting dogs
These comprise four types of dogs, namely, Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino,
Fila Braziliero and Japanese Tosa as well as crosses involving any of
these types.
(Double click the pictures to enlarge.)
It will be an offence to possess a fighting dog unless it has been neutered.
All fighting dogs must be identified with a special collar at all times.
The import and breeding of fighting dogs will be illegal.
When these dogs are in a public place, including the common parts of
buildings such as lifts and lobbies, they must be held securely on a leash
not exceeding 1.5 metres in length and fitted securely with a muzzle.
2. Known dangerous dogs
If a dog attacks and causes serious injury to a person or domestic
animal in the absence of provocation of any kind or if it repeatedly
attacks or puts people in fear of being attacked then a magistrate may
declare a dog to be a known dangerous dog.
Controls for known dangerous dogs will be essentially the same as those
for fighting dogs (neuter, identifying collar, leash and muzzle in public
places).
3. Large dogs
Any dog over 20 kg in weight must be held on a leash not more than
2 metres in length when in a public place.
Large dogs may be tied in public places on a leash not exceeding 1.5
metres in length provided this does not endanger the public, other animals
or the welfare of the dog.
Leashing requirements do not apply to large dogs in country parks and
when swimming at sea, providing ample opportunity for owners to exercise
their large dogs off leash. In addition, the Director of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Conservation can offer exemptions for large dogs that
demonstrate in an examination
that they can be controlled off leash.
Transition period
Once the regulation was commenced there has been a four month transition
period during which it will not be an offence to possess a fighting dog.
The sections of the regulation relating to large dogs was introduced
for at least 6 months from the date of passage to allow owners time to
become familiar with the requirements. It was effective on 17 November
2000.
Penalties
Penalties for breaches of this regulation include fines of up to $25,000
and jail for up to 3 months for breaches of laws relating to large dogs
and known dangerous dogs. Fines of up to $50,000 and jail for 6 months
apply to certain provisions relating to fighting dogs.
Further information
If you require further information on the Dangerous Dogs Regulation can
contact 1823 Citizen's Easy Link (CEL) Tel:(852) - 1823
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