Unleashed 60kg dog in Hong Kong mauls poodle, bichon frise to death within half an hour

Two small dogs were mauled to death by a larger unleashed dog while it ran amok in Hong Kong.

The incident occurred on Monday (Aug 17) at around 3pm near Yoho Mall in Yuen Long, based on social media posts.

Footage posted online show the large brown mixed-breed dog weighing about 60kg and measuring 1.5m in length roaming freely.

Hong Kong authorities said that the dog first attacked a brown miniature poodle, reported local publication RTHK.

The 17‑year‑old, 5kg poodle had been out on a walk with its 58-year-old owner before it got attacked, according to South China Morning Post.

The owner rushed the poodle to a nearby veterinary clinic, where it succumbed to its injuries, reported The Standard.

Around 20 minutes later, the large dog attacked a four-year-old bichon frise in the same area.

Footage circulating online shows the small white dog squirming while being bitten by the larger dog, while onlookers surround the dog.

One man, presumably the owner of the bichon frise, is also seen crouching nearby and crying while a woman attempts to comfort him.

Other videos shared online show a passerby attempting to pull the larger dog away from the bichon frise, but to no avail.

The passerby, who identified himself on Xiaohongshu, said that he is a tourist visiting Hong Kong with his cousins.

At the time, he and his cousin tried to hold the big dog back while another man at the scene called the police.

"The dog was huge and incredibly strong," he wrote, adding that he was also afraid that the dog may bite him, too.

Footage of the incident also show a woman in purple standing idly during the attack, which netizens alleged to be the large dog's owner. 

The bichon frise was pronounced dead at the scene, reported RTHK.

Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said that the dog was later restrained and taken to its animal management centre, where it was found to have a microchip and a valid licence.

Officers from the department were also reported saying that they are contacting the dog owner for investigations, and that the owner could be prosecuted if there is enough evidence.

Authorities also warned that pet owners with dogs weighing over 20kg must keep them on a leash no longer than 2m in public spaces.

Those found not adhering to the law will be liable to a maximum fine of HK$25,000 (S$4,070) and a jail term of three months.

Netizens were outraged by the incident, with many criticising the larger dog's owner.

One netizen said: "Unleash such a huge dog is totally unacceptable and dog owner must be held a accountable for damages."

Other pet owners said that they take their dogs around in a stroller, to avoid attacks from bigger dogs.

Many netizens said that the owner should be held responsible, and that the consequences could have been even more dire if children had been attacked.

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dana.leong@asiaone.com