Type of Dog | Characters / Definition | Controls |
Ordinary dogs | Not fall within the definitions of “Large dogs”, “Fighting dogs” and “Known dangerous dogs” | - You should keep your dog under proper control. According to the law, all dogs must be kept on a leash or under proper control in public places; AND
- DON'T allow your dog to be out of your sight or cause nuisance to others.
Suggestion: If your dog has a tendency to show aggressive behaviour, in addition to the above measures, consider using a muzzle on your dog (but be careful when using a muzzle in hot weather). |
Large dogs | Weight 20 kg or over | - When you enter a public place with a large dog, you must observe the duty of care and be fully focused while controlling your dog; AND
- Large dogs shall be securely held on a leash of not more than 2 metres in length by a person at all times; OR
- Large dogs shall be securely tied to a fixed object on a leash of not more than 1.5 metres in length in a manner that does not pose a danger to the public and animal safety, and welfare of the dog; OR
- In country parks, large dogs may be exercised without a leash, provided they are still under effective control.
- A dog owner and his/her dog may participate in the exemption examination. If the dog demonstrates that it is obedient and non-aggressive off leash, it can then be exempted from this leashing requirement. Please click here for details.
Suggestion: If your dog has a tendency to show aggressive behaviour, in addition to the above measures, consider using a muzzle on your dog (but be careful when using a muzzle in hot weather). |
Fighting dogs | - Pit Bull Terrier
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Braziliero
- Japanese Tosa
- Mixed-breed dogs involving a breed of any of the above 4 types
(Attention: Fighting dog is not allowed to import or breed in HK. Current Fighting dog must be registered in AFCD legally) | - When you enter a public place with your dog, you must observe the duty of care and be fully focused while controlling your dog; AND
- The dog must be neutered by a registered veterinary surgeon and you must obtain a valid de-sexing certificate from the veterinary surgeon; AND
- The dog must be securely muzzled and held on a leash not longer than 1.5 metres at all times in public places; AND You must identify the dog with a special collar (according to the legislation requirements) at all times.
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Known dangerous dogs | Declared to be a "known dangerous dog" by a magistrate |