In this instalment of our regular vet feature, DR PAULINE TAYLOR addresses the important issue of dog training in Hong Kong and owners’ responsibilities.
Dogs and their behaviour and natural instincts
At home, our pet dogs are usually warm loving creatures who give us a “feel good” factor, ready to welcome us back home and forgive us for being away. They don’t hold grudges if they’re treated respectfully and are well fed with their medical needs addressed, and if they’re allowed to exercise and socially interact with other dogs, thus allowing them to display normal canine behaviour.
I love my own dogs immensely and the “feel good” effect they give. But I never forget their natural instincts as predators, and the fact they can be hunters and prey on and potentially kill other living things. I understand my responsibility as a pet parent/keeper is to be aware of this at all times and abide by the law of the land.
An unfortunate encounter
Recently, my beautiful hand-reared domestic cat, Jimmy, sleeping happily in the sunshine under a kayak, was attacked by two large off leash adult dogs. Each one weighed around 30kg. While one dog tried to bite him into two, its partner in crime, trying to get a bite too, upended the kayak causing it to roll over and take a chunk of paint off my parked car.
I became a witness to this horrific scene by being startled by shouts of “Dog, come! Dog, come!” by the person allegedly in charge of them. In fact, she had absolutely no control over the dogs. They were deaf to her hysterical cries to “come”. What’s more, when they eventually came away from the kayak, the collar of one slipped over its head as the alleged controller tried to leash it up.
While I accept it’s natural for dogs to try and chase cats and other moving objects, it’s not acceptable to keep dogs you cannot control in society and – worse – allow them to attack smaller domestic creatures happily living in the same community.
We have a social responsibility to maintain harmony and good relations with neighbours, even if we dislike them. As dog owners, we are also by law supposed to control them at all times. There’s no “cannot control” allowed; we must be “in control” – or be in legal peril.
Dogs and the law
In Hong Kong, rules are set by a Dogs and Cats Ordinance (Cap.167) and Dangerous Dogs Ordinance (Cap.167D). By law, under the Rabies Ordinance (Cap.421), we’re required to register our dogs vaccinated against rabies with the government, and abide by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap.169).
In some other countries, the above dogs wouldn’t be so lucky and walk away from their socially unacceptable crime. For such an attack on another living creature, they would be put on “death row” by government officials and their keepers summoned to court. There would likely be law suits for damages to both the animals and other belongings, too.
It’s important for everyone to learn their responsibilities around dog ownership. There’s no substitute for good behaviour and training. And there’s nothing to gain from allowing a dangerous problem behaviour to cause so much grief as this incident has for me, my family and other people who witnessed the attack. This time it was my cat; next time it could be a child. Please understand you are responsible for your dog and its restraint at all times.
About Dr Pauline Taylor (BVM&S MACVSc)
After graduating from Edinburgh University, Dr Taylor began practicing in Scotland, working with farm animals. She has accrued over 30 years of experience in caring for animals in various places including the UK, New Zealand and Hong Kong.
Pets Central operates multiple Animal Clinics and Hospitals in Hong Kong:
- North Point Hospital | 2811 8907
- Mong Kok Hospital | 2309 2139
- Tseung Kwan O Hospital | 2244 6684
- Sai Kung Hospital | 2792 0833
- Park Island Mobile Clinic | 6223 0903
This Pets Central feature on dog training and owner responsibilities in Hong Kong first appeared in the June 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
