Unleashed dog mauls small dog to death on Yuen Long hike as owner disappears

A one-year-old poodle was killed after being attacked by an unleashed large dog during a hike at Ho Pui Reservoir in Yuen Long on Monday (Mar 9), with the suspected dog owner later disappearing, according to Sing Tao Probe, the sister publication of The Standard.

The poodle, weighing about two kilograms, was being walked by the owner's friend when the group encountered four hikers with two large dogs, one believed to be a Malinois weighing more than 30 kilograms.

According to the owner, the large dog was not on a leash and suddenly charged toward the poodle. Although the friend quickly picked the poodle up, the larger dog bit its hind leg and violently shook it, causing it to lose consciousness.

The injured poodle was rushed to a veterinary clinic. Its heartbeat briefly returned during emergency treatment, but it later died after being unable to breathe on its own.

The owner, who works in the pet industry, believes the violent shaking may have caused fatal head and neurological injuries.

“Can you imagine a two-kilogram dog being dragged by a 30-kilogram dog? The brain would be badly injured,” she said.

She also criticized the group’s response after the attack, saying a woman who went with them to the clinic refused to identify the dog’s owner and left without providing contact information.

The case has been reported to police in Yuen Long and referred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up.

Barrister Albert Luk Wai-hung said under current laws, a dog killing another dog does not constitute a criminal offense, though the owner may still face civil liability.

He noted that under the Rabies Ordinance, dogs weighing more than 20 kilograms must be kept on a leash in public places. Offenders face a maximum fine of HK$25,000 and three months in jail.