Hong Kong May Use Dog DNA Tests to Identify 'Fighting Dogs'

Hong Kong authorities are exploring a new way to tell if a dog counts as a “fighting dog”: DNA tests. Today, officials from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) decide by looking at the dog’s body shape, head, and other physical traits. That method is used worldwide because it focuses on how much harm a dog could do. But some pet owners worry that it labels innocent dogs as dangerous based on appearance alone.

To answer those concerns, the government says it is now reviewing the latest genetic testing technology. The idea is to use DNA as a second opinion, alongside physical checks. However, the government’s top vet, Dr Michelle Yeung Lee, warns that the tests aren’t perfect yet. Different labs use different reference databases, so results can vary. That makes DNA unreliable for now, even though science has improved.

For current owners, the news is calming: you can keep your dog even if it’s classified as a fighting breed, as long as you follow the rules. The AFCD also asked people not to abandon their pets because of this. But for future dogs, the rules may shift. This matters because it affects who can own certain breeds, which dogs face restrictions, and whether pet owners can trust the system.

The bigger story is about fairness. Science can help, but it’s not magic. In the meantime, Hong Kong is balancing public safety, animal welfare, and owner rights. If you have a dog—or plan to get one—this decision could directly shape what kind of pet you can bring home and what rules you’ll have to follow.