Politicians call for CCTV to curb dog waste problem

Hong Kong should install security cameras to tackle pet owners who fail to clean up after their dogs, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong has proposed. 

The Central and Western district politicians also urged improvements to existing dog latrines and proposed using natural fresheners like lemon extract to combat lingering odors and stains from pet waste on city streets.

Over 100 complaints spark action

In a press conference yesterday, district councilor Rex Ip Yik-nam said the DAB received over 100 complaints about dog excreta fouling public places, with most concentrated in Caine Road, Conduit Road, Robinson Road, Ladder Street and Shing Wong Street.

Targeted measures for dog waste hotspots

Ip suggested targeted measures at dog waste black spots, including installing CCTV cameras, putting warning signs as well as increasing patrols, in order to deter “uncivilized” pet owners.

He also noted residents' complaints about lingering pet waste odors in summer, even one to two days after street cleaning, and proposed using natural, non-toxic deodorizers like lemon extract, in street rinsing exercises.

Design improvements for dog latrines

District councilor Noel Shih said the design of dog latrines can be improved. For example, replacing sand with a drainable stainless steel surface, and adding water facets. More dog excreta collection bins or latrines are needed in the area too, he added.

District councilor Yeung Hok-ming proposed adding more pet-friendly parks. He revealed that authorities plan to add pet facilities to Caine Lane Garden after the party’s survey found that about 300 of 400 interviewed residents voiced support.

More pet-friendly parks on the way

Lawmaker Chan Hok-fung, who represents Hong Kong Island West, said the proposals aimed to foster a friendly community environment for both residents and the increasing number of pets in the district.

The government took enforcement actions against 24 cases of fouling of streets or public places by dog faeces in 2024, imposing a total of HK$70,000 fines, an official reply to lawmakers’ questions in June showed.

No plans to regulate dog urination: Gov't

Officials indicated then they had no plans to amend the legislation to regulate dog urination in streets or public places, as rinsing those spots with sufficient clean water is enough for avoiding hygiene problems.

Authorities pledged to continue to promote the message of "be a responsible pet owner" to the public and educate dog walkers to properly clean up after their dogs through various channels, including posters, pamphlets, thematic websites.

(Jamie Liu)