When dogs go outside, they naturally need to poop and pee. It's important for responsible owners to clean up after their dogs to maintain public hygiene. This involves picking up the poop and rinsing away the urine with water. However, there are occasional debates about whether water alone is enough to remove the urine smell, and some people claim that these actions may be illegal and subject to investigation. So, what should dog owners do after their furry friends relieve themselves? Are there any penalties in Hong Kong's laws? Does the government offer any guidance on this issue? It's crucial for every dog owner to know this information.
Is it illegal to pour water on the streets of Hong Kong?
Under normal circumstances, if enforcement officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department witness individuals disposing of waste, including the dumping of polluted water, in public areas, they may prosecute such individuals for contravening the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulations (Chapter 132, subsidiary legislation BK). In 2016, there was a case that drew social attention, involving a septuagenarian contracted cleaner who was fined HKD 1,500 by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for pouring water on the street.
Would pouring water to flush away a dog's urine be considered a violation of legislation?
If pouring water were deemed illegal, would using water to flush away a dog's urine on the street be considered as "dumping polluted water" and thus a breach of the law? Firstly, we need to understand the requirements imposed on dog owners by Hong Kong legislation. According to the Fixed Penalty (Public Cleanliness and Obstruction) Ordinance (Chapter 570, Laws of Hong Kong), any person who allows their dog's excrement to soil the streets or public places may be subject to a fixed penalty of HKD 3,000. Moreover, the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation (Chapter 132, subsidiary legislation, Laws of Hong Kong) , states that the person in charge of a dog must not permit the dog to defecate or urinate in common parts of buildings, streets, or public places. Violation of this regulation may result in a maximum fine of HKD 25,000. However, if the person responsible for the dog ensures that the excrement or urine is promptly removed and the area is cleaned before leaving, it would not be considered a violation of the regulations.
Neglecting to address the aftermath of a dog's defecation or urination may indeed run the risk of contravening the law.
To ensure proper cleanliness of the affected area, guidance has been provided by both the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
The guidelines provided by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department:
- DO carry enough paper to wrap up dog faeces properly and deposit it in a dog excreta collection bin.
- DO carry enough water to clean up the soiled area.
- DO look for the nearest dog latrine.
The guidelines provided by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department:
- DO bring your dog to the nearby dog latrine.
- Do take enough newspaper or plastic bags with you when you walk your dog. Wrap up the faeces with newspapers or plastic bags and place it into the Dog Excreta Collection Bin or rubbish bin.
- DO bring sufficient clean water to rinse the spot where the dog has urinated.
In other words, it is recommended by the authorities to rinse the dog's urine with clean water. However, some dog owners propose the idea of bringing absorbent materials such as pet pee pads, newspapers, or tissues to place on the ground before their dogs relieve themselves. This helps minimize the impact on other pedestrians. Regardless of the method chosen, it is important for both oneself and others to promptly clean up after dogs when walking them in public places, so as not to inconvenience others. In the unfortunate event that a pet owner makes a mistake and faces criticism or even fines, it is crucial to remember that it is not the fault of the dog. In order to foster a harmonious society between humans and pets, pet owners must make diligent efforts.
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