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Hong Kong officials call for DNA checks after fatal canine attacks
Authorities are reviewing a dog involved in a fatal pet training center attack after preliminary inspections found genetic traits linked to a banned fighting breed, despite a microchip showing it was a mongrel.
Hong Kong should move away from breed based rules and adopt a trait based, tiered risk framework for dogs, with DNA testing and physical assessments to identify animals with aggressive traits, according to calls made by a veterinary surgeon and a lawmaker after three fatal canine attacks within a week.
In the latest case, a 33 year old woman was fatally attacked at a pet training centre, and authorities found the dog suspected of being a mixed breed fighting type shared genetic traits with the pit bull terrier, a banned fighting breed in the city.
Preliminary inspections also showed the dog’s microchip indicated it was a mongrel, prompting the push to classify risk by observable traits and assessed danger rather than breed categories alone.
The veterinarian said the approach could include mandatory training, leashing or other constraints for dogs flagged after risk assessments, along with regular reassessments, and he also urged a certification system for people who keep or train high risk breeds.