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Hong Kong keeps dog-friendly dining scheme running after restaurant pullouts

Hong Kong’s environment minister said authorities will increase inspections and public education after 11 restaurants withdrew from the voluntary program.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Emerging Markets

Hong Kong will continue moving forward with its dog-friendly dining scheme despite a public backlash and the withdrawal of 11 participating restaurants, the city’s environment minister said, characterizing the controversy as an early adjustment period.

Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology, said on Sunday that authorities will step up inspections and public education to reduce violations, after online posts circulated showing dogs being fed with restaurant utensils or placed on tables.

Tse said the images posted by internet users were not fabricated, but he argued the behavior was not widespread, adding that heated online arguments had emerged between pet owners and diners who do not allow dogs.

He also said authorities have approved 11 applications from restaurants seeking to withdraw from the voluntary program, and he did not see a reason to pause the policy, noting that only a small portion of the city’s restaurants are allowed to admit dogs and that both businesses and customers can opt out.

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