(CN - Hong Kong) Fighting pit bull terriers seized in raid

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South China Morning Post Friday, April 27, 2001

by CLIFFORD LO

 

A breeding and training ground for fighting dogs was discovered in Pat

Heung yesterday, 500 metres from a dog-fighting arena found three weeks ago.

Eight unlicensed pit bull terriers were found in four cages when the

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department raided the site behind

Ngau Keng village off Kam Sheung Road.

 

Officers said one of two bitches seized was suspected of being the one

that escaped during the previous raid at the arena.

 

Ho Chin-hoi, a vet from the department, said: " No injuries were found

on the eight dogs and they appeared to be in good health. They were

apparently fed every day. We believe they have not been taking part in any

dog fight and were in the process of being trained. "

 

The Assistant Pat Heung Divisional Commander (Operations), Senior

Inspector Wong Moon-tong, said he believed the 48-square-metre shelter was

built about a year ago.

 

" It is apparently used for breeding fighting dogs and training, " he

said. " Inside the tin-sheet-covered shelter, a home-made running device was

found. " Dr Ho said the device was designed to help the dogs build strength

and stamina.

 

The illegal dog farm was found after police received a tip-off from a

villager last week. No one was arrested.

 

In the previous raid about three weeks ago, police launched a search

for an illegal dog farm in the village, but found nothing.

 

Dr Ho said pit bull terriers could cause serious injuries to people.

" It is difficult to open their mouths and free a person if they bite, " he

said.

 

There are about 100 licensed pit bull terriers in the SAR. In public

places they must be kept on a lead and be muzzled, and they are required to

have been castrated.

 

Under the Dogs and Cats Ordinance, the maximum penalty for possessing

and breeding fighting dogs is a $50,000 fine and six months' imprisonment.

 

The eight fighting dogs were sent to an animal management centre in

Sheung Shui where the 10 dogs seized three weeks ago were held.