Hong Kong should introduce a tiered risk framework and carry out DNA testing and physical assessments to identify dogs with aggressive breed traits, a veterinary surgeon and a lawmaker have said following three fatal canine attacks within a week.
The calls made on Monday come after the latest fatal mauling at a pet training centre, where a 33-year-old woman was attacked by a dog suspected of being a mixed-breed fighting dog and was later found dead last week.
Preliminary inspections by authorities revealed the dog shared genetic traits with the pit bull terrier, a banned fighting breed in the city. Yet, the dog’s microchip indicated it was a mongrel.
Speaking on a radio show, veterinarian Lai Cheong-sang said Hong Kong should replace the city’s breed-specific categorisation system with a trait-based, tiered system to classify dogs’ danger levels and assign corresponding control measures.
“If a dog is suspected of having the potential to cause danger after a risk assessment, it can be required to undergo mandatory training, be leashed or otherwise constrained, and receive regular assessments,” he said.
He also called for a certification system for people who keep or train high-risk breeds.