[Stirling]

Hi

Moving to HK in August to either Stanley, Clearwater Bay or DB.

Can you advise if there are places in each of the
above areas that I would be able to let my dog off the lead for a good run about.

My husband is out there at the moment and has been told that dogs are not overly welcome and that some had been poisoned with a stew. Also apparently lots more diseases. - probably scaremongering as I am sure if I take her to the vet he would be able to inject her prevent 99% of the problems.

Any info would be appreciated as may leave her with my friend at home if her quality of life would be better... although want to bring her desperately
with us as she is my shadow.

[dipper]

Any of those places will have open spaces pretty easily accessible. Exactly how accesssible - 5 minute walk to open space, ten minute walk etc - will depend on the exact location/property you choose.

In terms of dogs being welcomed I've never really understood what that means. I mean, they won't roll out a red carpet for your dog at the airport when it arrives but there aren't anti-dog vigilantes roaming the streets either. Provided you're half sensible you can do pretty much what you like in HK, it's up to you. The poisoning thing is one particular nutter who has been laying dog poison on a particular path in HK for years. As long as you don't take your dog for a walk down that particular path, which is not near any of the areas you mention, you'll be fine.

In terms of diseases, then yes there are diseases in HK, whether there are more or less than anywhere else I couldn't really say. Just get the normal vaccinations from the vet and put on a tick repellent once a month as a number of diseases are spread by ticks.

[hello_there]

Each of those places are well suited for dogs of all sizes. There are plenty of trails, country parks and beaches (although not all beaches are dog friendly) in Hong Kong where dogs can run in close proximity to the locations you mentioned.

There are a few diseases in Hong Kong that are not too common in the US (tick fever in particular), but generally preventable with good hygene and dog healthcare. There are great vets in Hong Kong to help with that sort of thing.

If you have any more specific dog questions feel free to send me a PM. Had the same concerns as you before moving dogs here, but am very glad they are here now.

Oh, it may be difficult to bring a dog over in August, as many airlines have restrictions regarding when dogs can travel because of heat concenrs, etc. A pet import/export company or even an airline cargo rep can give more info on summer transport issues.

[carang]

there has been a dog poisoner in the mid-levels for over 20 years. they just can't seem to catch the person responsible. however, this won't affect you in any of the places that you mentioned.

keep in mind, even in country parks, if your dog is over 20kg by law you must have your dog leashed. there is an obedience test that you can take to have an exemption, but most here don't bother and let their dogs off leash/lead anyway.

[PDLM]

Originally Posted by carang

keep in mind, even in country parks, if your dog is over 20kg by law you must have your dog leashed. there is an obedience test that you can take to have an exemption, but most here don't bother and let their dogs off leash/lead anyway.

Cara,

I don't think you've got that right. I believe that in the Country Parks any dog can be unleashed. Outside the Country Parks any large dog (over 20kg) must be leashed unless it has the exemption you mention.

The signs on trails as you leave a Country Park say "Leash your large dog".
Pic of sign
Edit to say that the relevant Regulation is Cap167D Dangerous Dogs Regulation:

PART III

CONTROL OF LARGE DOGS

(1) No person shall cause, suffer or permit a large dog to enter or remain in a public place unless the dog-

(a) is being securely held on a leash of not more than 2 m in length by a person; or
(b) is securely tied to a fixed object on a leash of not more than 1.5 m in length in a manner that does not pose a danger to public and animal safety, and welfare of the dog.

(2) This section does not apply to a large dog which is in a country park or a special area within the meaning of the Country Parks Ordinance (Cap 208) or swimming at sea.
(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 4 and to imprisonment for 3 months.

[carang]

i'll check, but i'm pretty sure that i pass a sign coming home (about 200m from our village entrance) that says to leash all dogs....

but honestly, with the stray cows/monkeys/porcupines/wild boars/village dogs around don't think it would make much difference.

personally, i think so long as the dog is under control, then it isn't a problem. i'm glad wrong on the point you mention! that is great news!

[luvupsycho]

Originally Posted by carang

there has been a dog poisoner in the mid-levels for over 20 years. they just can't seem to catch the person responsible.

Just curious as to where in mid-levels in particular...as my golden and myself live there...we might want to avoid those paths....

[carang]

bowen road. always keep your dog on a leash and make sure they eat NOTHING when you are out and about.

[PDLM]

... and Black's Link.

[carang]

well, i checked out the sign as i was on my way home last night. sure enough it said "leash your big dog". this is way inside the country park, so i'm guessing that it is still law they must be leashed. but as i said, with the abundance of other wildlife around, i don't see how a few mild mannered pets would cause mayhem...