Hong Kong dog owner regrets surrender after fatal mauling of two pets

The owner of a large dog that mauled two smaller pets to death in Yuen Long earlier this week has expressed regret over surrendering the animal to authorities and hopes to withdraw that decision, according to the founder of a local animal rescue group. The dog, named 'Lali' in Chinese, weighs 60kg and was passed on by multiple owners before the current keeper took responsibility. Kent Luk Ka-chit, founder of Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter, told the South China Morning Post that the owner signed an AFCD surrender form at a police station on Tuesday, but immediately regretted it. "He told me he wanted to hand the dog to a no-kill organisation instead," Luk said.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) had warned on Wednesday that the dog could be euthanised if formally surrendered, or alternatively be classified as a 'known dangerous dog', which would impose strict containment requirements on any future owner. The SCMP has contacted the AFCD to clarify whether the surrender is legally binding and can be withdrawn. The case has sparked renewed debate in Hong Kong about dangerous dog regulations, owner responsibility, and the fate of large breeds with behavioural issues. The owner's change of heart adds a legal and ethical twist, as the decision now hinges on whether a signed surrender form can be overridden by a request for transfer to a no-kill shelter.