A government clampdown following a spate of dog attacks in Hong Kong has sparked a rush for canine DNA testing, while animal welfare groups warn the aggressive enforcement could trigger a wave of pet abandonments.
Amid mounting public backlash over the sudden seizure and impounding of suspected fighting dogs, an advocacy group on Monday urged authorities to introduce a one-year grace period for owners to voluntarily declare pets with fighting-breed traits.
The incident exposed major loopholes in the city’s self-declaration microchip registration system, after the animal was found to carry genetic traits of the pit bull terrier – one of four fighting breeds strictly banned from import and unauthorised breeding in Hong Kong.
As panic spread among dog owners, commercial testing centres saw a surge in clients seeking genetic proof to prevent their pets from being impounded.
Clement Lai Yat-lung, founder of pet testing firm Hero DNA, said inquiries had surged more than fivefold over the past week, jumping from about 10 to between 50 and 60.
