All dog owners must observe relevant laws
Deanna Cheung complained about the 'lack of legal knowledge' among some police officers, 'Unmuzzle beat officers' knowledge of canine law' (Sunday Morning Post, September 8).
Ms Cheung rightly pointed out that under Sections 7 and 12 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation Cap 167D, a fighting dog and a 'known dangerous dog' (a dog so classified by a magistrate) must be securely fitted with a muzzle and held on a leash of not more than 1.5 metres in length when entering or remaining in a public place.
Although a large dog is not required by law to be fitted with a muzzle, Section 9 of the regulation states that a large dog, when entering or remaining in a public place, must be securely held on a leash of not more than two metres in length by a person, or securely tied to a fixed object on a leash not more than 1.5 metres in length.
Also, the Summary Offences Ordinance Cap 228 says any person, without lawful authority or excuse, should not suffer to be at large any unmuzzled ferocious dog or sets on any dog to attack, worry or put in fear any person or animal.
Sub-section 12(1) of the Pleasure Grounds Regulation also states that no person shall cause or suffer any dog belonging to him, or in his charge, to enter or remain in any pleasure ground, unless under proper control and effectively restrained from causing annoyance to any person, from worrying or disturbing any animal, bird or waterfowl.
We appeal to all dog owners to observe these regulations.
TANG HOW-KONG
for Commissioner of Police
