AFCD

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is Hong Kong's authority responsible for animal welfare and conservation. Recently, the AFCD has been in the news due to its enforcement actions concerning dog ownership and breed classification. In response to public concern over the classification of 'fighting dogs,' the AFCD is exploring the use of DNA testing as a supplementary tool for breed identification, while also clarifying that existing 'fighting dogs' can be kept under specific statutory requirements. Furthermore, the AFCD is conducting special operations to crack down on careless dog owners, particularly those who fail to keep their pets under control, following a series of canine attacks. This heightened enforcement includes seizing animals, such as a 'fighting dog' recently found at a restaurant in Stanley. These recent developments highlight the AFCD's ongoing efforts to manage animal-related public safety issues and enforce regulations within the territory.