No plan to suspend dog-friendly dining scheme despite backlash, Tse says

Hong Kong’s new dog-friendly dining scheme has seen 11 restaurants withdraw, but Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan has ruled out suspending the initiative, describing its early implementation as a “transitional period.”

His remarks came amid growing criticism on social media following the scheme’s launch, as photos circulated showing dog owners allowing their pets to use dining utensils and climb onto tables.

Speaking on a television program on Sunday, Tse acknowledged that the images reflected genuine incidents but said he believed such cases were rare.

Although 11 applications to withdraw from the scheme have been approved, Tse said there was no need to suspend it at this stage, stressing that restaurants and customers were still adjusting to the new arrangements.

He also ruled out imposing restrictions based on the type or size of participating restaurants. Eateries should instead assess their customer base and market positioning before deciding whether dog-friendly dining would appeal to their patrons, he said.

Tse said the authorities would step up inspections and public education during the adjustment period in the hope of gradually reducing violations and inappropriate behavior.

𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽 ↓