XN000022-1996-02-02 — Page 8

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It is in the interest of public safety that the Government has proposed to introduce a Dangerous Dogs Regulation under the existing Dogs and Cats Ordinance, Dr Rubira said.

The proposed major provisions in the Regulation include:

classify dangerous dogs into three categories: "Fighting Breeds", "Known Dangerous Dogs" and "Potentially Dangerous Dogs";

prohibit the importation and breeding of dogs belonging to the "Fighting Breeds":

make it an offence to possess or keep entire "Fighting Breeds" after a grace period of 90 days;

require the keepers of "Fighting Breeds" and "Known Dangerous Dogs" to have those animals neutered, to be covered by indemnity insurance and to ensure that the animals are identified by a distinctive collar and on a leash and muzzled whenever they are taken into a public place;

enable a Magistrate to classify a dog as a "Known Dangerous Dog" on application; and

require "Potentially Dangerous Dogs" to be kept on a leash and muzzled whenever they are taken into a public place;

provide power for the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries to detain any dog that is dangerous until completion of procedures and to issue written instructions.

set up an expert panel to arbitrate on possible dispute over the definition of the breed of any dog.

Another proposal is to update the level of fines where appropriate and to make provision for certain new offences relating to the obstruction of an authorised officer and the provision of false information.

Dr Rubira said that copies of the consultative document were sent to relevant organisations and other interested groups who have been asked to give their views in writing.