Prompt Report Change of address and contact telephone or ownership

• According to Section 20A of the Rabies Regulation, Cap 421, the keeper of dog or any person to whom a licence in respect of a dog has been granted shall notify AFCD in writing of any change of address and telephone or cessation of ownership as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case not later than 5 days.

• Any person who contravenes the above commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $5000.

Prompt Report Loss of Pets

• For the speedy reunion of your lost pets, you must promptly report the case (with ID number of the keeper, micro-chip number, etc) to the nearest Animal Management Centre (Tel 1823), SPCA and Police. Stray animals will be disposed of or re-homed to adopters 4 days after detention.

• You should note that detention fee will be charged if your animal is found stray and detained by the Animal Management Centres (AMCs) even if you decide to surrender the animal upon being contacted by the AMC.

Think about before getting a dog

• Is keeping dog allowed in your living apartment?

• Do you have enough time to care your dog?

• Is your family accepting you keeping dog?

Select the right dog

• Ensure that the dog you choose suits your home.

• Avoid large, active breeds if there are young children or elderly people or if you have little room for the dog to exercise.

Avoid Nuisances

• Prevent your dog from wandering.

• Do not allow your dog to bark and disturb your neighbours.

• Clean up after your dog and dispose of dog faeces in a sanitary manner.

• Do not allow your dog to worry or attack other people or animals.

• If it is aggressive, muzzle it when you take it out.

Protect children from attack

• Do not leave children with dogs unless an adult is present.

• Do not let children approach feeding dogs and bitches with puppies.

Neuter the animal

• Neuter your dog to prevent unwanted breeding and aggression.

Provide proper care

• Ensure that your dog is provided with sufficient food, clean, cool water and regular exercise.

• Have your dog vaccinated by a registered veterinarian against distemper, hepatitis and gastro-enteritis. Seek early treatment for injuries and any illnesses.

• Have your dog licenced and vaccinated against rabies.

Dispose of unwanted animals properly

• Do not abandon dogs. Take them to the nearest Animal Management Centre or SPCA.

• You should note that detention fee will be charged if your animal is found stray and detained by the Animal Management Centres (AMCs) even if you decide to surrender the animal upon being contacted by the AMC.

 

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TRUE or FALSE

•	If I want to rear a dog, I prefer a just weaned one. They are most lovely and easy to train at that time.
	False; Just weaned dog is most likely to suffer from infectious diseases. It is better to choose dog which has been vaccinated against common viral diseases such as Canine Distemper and Viral Gastroenteritis. Generally 2 months after weaning is the time of choice.
•	I do not leash my dog as I believe she will follow me in any time.
	False; The Ordinance requires dogs should be on a leash or under control when it is in a public place. In addition, it is easy to have your dog run into road and causing accident.
•	My dog seldom goes out. Therefore it is no need to have it licenced and vaccinated against rabies.
	False; The Ordinance stated that dogs over 5 months old should be vaccinated against rabies, microchipped and licenced otherwise you will be prosecuted.
•	I live in public estate where rearing dog is not allowed. Therefore I bring her to the nearby hillside and provide food to her everyday. She manages to live there freely.
	False; If you really can not keep your dog any more, bring it to the nearest Government Animal Management Centre or the SPCA. Do not abandon dogs. Turn a dog out to fend for itself is a cruel act and is an offence under the law. It may also causing nuisance to other people.
•	It is very expensive to consult a veterinarian. I believe some pet shops can give me professional advice on the health of my dog.
	False; Only registered veterinarian can provide professional advice regarding health aspect of your pet. Be wary of advice from unqualified people and from salespersons.
•	I found a poor dog on the street. I brought it to the nearest veterinary clinic. After examination, it was carried a microchip. Hence I contacted the AFCD and finally the dog was reunited to its owner.
	True; All veterinary clinics, Government Animal Management Centres and SPCA can read the microchip number of your dog. Staff in Animal Management Centres can locate the dog owner from the microchip number. Do not adopt any dog with unknown origin.
•	I kept a couple of Chow. As I don’t want to have any unwanted puppy. Therefore, I have my dogs desexed by veterinarian. I don’t have to worry now.
	True; Let your animals reproduce with no chance of homing the offspring will create more abandoned animals. De-sexing will not upset the personality of your pet, or make it overweight, but simply make it a better and more easily controlled pet.
•	If I need to leave my dog behind while I go on a holiday, I will ask a reliable neighbour, or a fully-licenced boarding premises to look after my pet.
	True; Never leave your dog alone while you go on a holiday. You should ask a friend or a licenced boarding premises to look after your pet for you.
•	Dog should be trained in young age. They will more accept rewards than punishment. I never hit my dog.
	True; Try to build a close and mutually rewarding relationship with your dog. They will respect you and follow your command. Never hit your dog. Your dog will respect you more if it knows you are in command and feels secure.
•	Keeping a dog is a life responsibility. I need to think about before I make a decision.
	True; Owning a dog involves extra responsibility. Never make decision by impulse and abandon the animal once you find yourself is not a suitable pet keeper.