The owner of a large dog suspected of mauling two smaller dogs to death in Yuen Long has been arrested.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said in a statement on Tuesday night that it had arrested the owner of the dog earlier that day and collected a statement regarding the case.

“The dog concerned is currently put under observation at the AFCD’s animal management centre,” the statement read.

The AFCD added that the dog was previously detained by the department in July due to another dog attack case, but the animal was then returned to its owner, who was warned to keep it on a leash no longer than two metres in public places.

The recent incident happened on Monday, when a large, brown, unaccompanied dog bit a Bichon Frisé and did not let go. It occurred at the pet-friendly Dot Park outside Yoho Mall in Yuen Long, according to an online video.

Around 20 minutes before the Bichon Frisé was attacked, a poodle was also allegedly attacked by the same canine at a public transit hub near the mall, police told local media.

According to local media, the dog suspected of mauling the two smaller dogs was 1.5 metres long and 60 kg in weight. It was wearing a collar but did not have a leash or muzzle when the two incidents took place. The owner was not at the scene, authorities said.

Dangerous Dogs Regulation

On Wednesday, Jackie Yip, an assistant director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said the authorities were discussing with the owner as to whether to keep the dog or place it in the care of the government.

“If the owner ultimately decides to hand the dog over to the government, we will determine an appropriate arrangement. If necessary, we will also consider euthanasia,” Yip said.

If the owner keeps the dog, the department could designate it as a “known dangerous dog” under the Dangerous Dogs Regulation. This would require the dog to be muzzled and put on a leash of no longer than 1.5 metres in public.

In response to local media, the AFCD said on Tuesday that, after checking, the large dog was found to have a microchip and was registered under a dog licence.

According to the Dangerous Dogs Regulation, a dog weighing 20 kg or above is considered a large dog.

A large dog is not allowed to enter or remain in a public space if it is not securely held on a leash of not more than two metres in length by a person, or if it is not securely tied to a fixed object on a leash of not more than 1.5 metres in length.

Those in violation risk a fine of up to HK$25,000 and imprisonment for three months.

If a dog is declared a “known dangerous dog,” it must be desexed, muzzled and leashed in public and wear a specific, government-approved collar. A magistrate can also rule that a dog that is a public hazard be destroyed humanely.