Restaurant pullouts from dog-friendly scheme ‘responsible’, 20 complaints recorded

Limited manpower, space constraints and cautious diners have led some restaurants to make a “responsible move” by withdrawing from Hong Kong’s new dog-friendly dining scheme, which has drawn about 20 complaints since its launch, the hygiene chief has said.

Albert Yuen Yuk-kin, director of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, said on Monday that most complaints involved minor issues such as leash length and seating arrangements.

A total of 940 restaurants and eateries began allowing customers to dine with dogs last Thursday after obtaining permits under the scheme, marking the end of a 30-year ban originally introduced to prevent rabies.

But a branch of Cafe 100% in Ma On Shan was among the first to withdraw a day later, citing safety concerns over its limited space and staff handling boiling water.

Yuen acknowledged that “a small number” of approved restaurants had temporarily withdrawn due to operational challenges, including staffing shortages and difficulties in separating dining areas.

He said that even after receiving approval, restaurants were free to withdraw from the scheme or delay implementation if they needed more time to prepare.

“Operational adjustments are normal,” Yuen said. “Both the industry and the public need time to adapt to this shift from long-standing practice.”