Hong Kong’s dog-friendly licence scheme triggers fierce online debate

Hong Kong’s dog-friendly restaurant scheme has sparked a fierce online debate over public hygiene and acceptable pet behaviour, while a branch of a cafe has opted out of the initiative just three days after it took effect.While more than 940 restaurants opened their doors to owners and their dogs last Thursday, clips showing dogs licking plates and sitting on dining tables and chairs have gone viral online.But other internet users have also made the case that many canine diners have been well-behaved.The debate raged as a branch of Cafe 100%, located in Ma On Shan’s Kam Ying Court Shopping Centre, posted a notice outside the premises on Friday saying it had opted out of the policy.A staff member told the South China Morning Post that the cafe had pulled out over safety concerns.“Our space is very tight, and staff are constantly carrying boiling water around, so we are concerned that dogs could easily get hurt,” she said, stressing that the decision was not the result of any complaints.A check by the SCMP of the Food and Environment Hygiene Department’s website found that 10 other Cafe 100% branches still had permission to welcome dogs.A branch of Cafe 100% posted a notice outside the premises on Friday saying it had opted out of the policy. Photo: HandoutSome branches had imposed limitations, such as only allowing up to three dogs inside at any given time and charging a HK$100 (US$12.75) cleaning fee for dog waste.In a social media post on Saturday, the chain’s parent company, Taste of Asia, said it fully supported the government initiative but needed to make “adjustments” during the policy’s initial roll-out.“Following a continuous review of its operations two days into the implementation, the group decided to apply to withdraw the permit for specific branches,” it said.“Allowing dog entry could compromise the dining experience of other customers and the order and safety of the restaurants due to constraints about shop capacity, seating layouts, customer flow and crowdedness.”Further ReadingThe company stressed that the adjustment was not due to any failure to meet the government requirements, nor did it signify a U-turn on its pet-friendly direction.The decision was based on an assessment of each branch’s unique environment and operational conditions, it said.Lawmaker Chan Hoi-yan, who chairs the food safety and environmental hygiene panel, said that while the quick withdrawal created poor optics, it was not a bad thing in essence.“The policy intends to enable restaurants that already had the right conditions to tap into the pet economy, but not forcing all restaurants to accept dogs,” she said“If you don’t have what it takes to handle pets safely, it is a responsible move to quit on your own instead of carrying on stubbornly and hogging the licence.”Lawmaker Chan Hoi-yan, who chairs the food safety and environmental hygiene panel, has urged restraint amid the debate. Photo: Sun YeungRestaurants should carefully evaluate their marketing strategies and target customer base before blindly applying for the permits, on the assumption that it would boost business, she said.She also urged authorities to step up efforts to educate pet owners, as the law already barred dogs from being on tables or using human tableware.To defuse the societal tension, Chan said she felt both sides needed to “take a step back”, reminding dog owners to obey the law and critics that they could easily opt for any of the remaining 90 per cent of restaurants without the permits.Chan also hoped that authorities could keep track of public sentiment and regularly review the rules, then tighten or relax them based on their feedback.Gigi Fu Ming-hin, president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Hong Kong, advised pet owners on social media to ensure their dogs had used the bathroom before entering restaurants and allow animals time to acclimatise.“If they are still anxious, take them outside to calm down before trying again,” she said. “Step outside again if conflict arises with other dogs.”She added that dogs should always be on a leash of 1.5 metres (4.92 feet) and never be allowed to touch the tables.The SCMP has contacted Taste of Asia and the Food and Environment Hygiene Department for comments.