Hong Kong authorities have stepped up inspections of dog licences by launching regular enforcement operations and random checks on pets in public places, warning they will prosecute owners who breach relevant rules.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said officers would commence such operations on Monday at public places where dogs gathered and appealed for cooperation from owners.
“During inspections, AFCD officers will conduct random checks on dogs and scan them to verify whether a microchip has been implanted and a valid licence has been issued,” a department spokesman said.
“If a dog is found without a valid licence, the AFCD will institute prosecution against the keeper without prior warning.”
Under Hong Kong’s Rabies Regulation, all dogs aged over five months must be licensed and vaccinated against the viral disease. Licences are typically valid for three years, in line with the timeline for a rabies booster shot.
Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of HK$10,000 (US$1,300) upon conviction.
The department urged owners who had yet to obtain a valid licence for their dogs to do so as soon as possible through its Animal Management Centres or private veterinary clinics, where the pets can also receive rabies vaccinations.
It reminded owners that licences had to be renewed and rabies vaccinations arranged every three years.
The department said regular rabies vaccination and licensing were not only legal requirements but also important measures to protect animal health and public safety.
The latest enforcement push comes as Hong Kong moves towards becoming more pet-friendly.
Applications for licences allowing dogs inside restaurants opened last month, effectively ending a three-decade ban that only exempted guide dogs and certain working dogs from eateries.
The first batch of 1,000 applicants is expected to begin welcoming dogs into their businesses from July.
The city has also faced concerns over illegal animal smuggling in recent years.
Hong Kong customs and mainland authorities have repeatedly mounted joint operations targeting the cross-border trafficking of dogs and cats. The department has also expanded the use of quarantine detector dogs to intercept illegally imported animals.
Official figures show the number of illegally imported cats and dogs seized by authorities rose from 11 in 2024 to 22 in 2025, according to department data submitted to the legislature.
Customs officers have continued to uncover cases this year, including the seizure last week of two suspected illegally imported dogs at the Lok Ma Chau spur line border crossing. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
