Hong Kong authorities have charged a woman on suspicion of keeping 136 dogs without valid licences at a shelter in Yuen Long district. The shelter had previously been investigated for alleged animal cruelty, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The Agriculture, Conservation and Fisheries Department (AFCD) conducted a raid following complaints about the shelter. During the operation, all 136 dogs were suspected of being kept without valid licences.

The woman has been issued a court summons, and the case is expected to be mentioned in Tuen Mun Court on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

She will be prosecuted under the Rabies Ordinance, which requires owners or handlers to have a licence for any dog over five months old, renewed every three years. Conviction for keeping an unlicensed dog can result in a maximum fine of HK$10,000 (approximately US$1,270).

Sources

South China Morning Post World: Hong Kong authorities charge woman who allegedly kept 136 dogs without licences