Hong Kong dog surrendered after authorities classify it as fighting breed

A Hong Kong dog owner has surrendered his seven-year-old pet after authorities detained the animal during a routine vaccination appointment and classified it as a fighting breed, animal welfare advocates said.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department held the dog, named Bobo, from last Wednesday until Monday before determining it was a pit bull terrier crossbreed. The owner, who reportedly has brain cancer, relinquished the pet after concluding he could not manage the pressure of caring for an animal classified under the fighting-breed category.

Jacqueline Cheung, founder of the non-profit Love Adopt Animal Society, took ownership of Bobo on Monday after volunteers connected the owner with her organization. Cheung, a former veterinary nurse, said the dog was well behaved but suffered from severe eye inflammation and was covered in ticks when collected from the department. Bobo was also diagnosed with heartworm, a condition that typically requires at least six months to develop after a dog is bitten by an infected mosquito.

Third case in a week raises alarm

The incident marks the third known case in a week in which authorities have detained and classified a dog as a fighting breed, following a spate of attacks in the city.

Animal welfare groups are now pressing the government for clarity on its breed-classification procedures and a transparent appeal mechanism. They warn that unclear rules and heightened anxiety among pet owners could drive more dog abandonment and fuel unfair stereotyping of certain breeds.

The convergence of multiple detentions within days has amplified concerns that owners of licensed pets may face sudden reclassification during routine veterinary visits, leaving them with little recourse or guidance on next steps.

Source: South China Morning Post