An opinion piece by South China Morning Post columnist Ashley Tamblyn, published on 4 October 2026, argues that to turn Hong Kong into a city truly friendly to dogs, "dog literacy" is needed — basic knowledge about animal behaviour that should be possessed not only by owners but by everyone who shares public space with them.
Since July 2026, a regulated scheme has been in effect in Hong Kong allowing dogs to be present in approved restaurants. More than 2200 establishments have submitted applications, and already in the first month more than 980 restaurants were participating in the scheme. These changes reflect a gradual shift in city dwellers' relationship with dogs, yet recent tragic incidents — attacks by large dogs in Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan — have complicated the public discussion.
Tamblyn emphasises that perceptions of dogs vary greatly: small companions have long been part of urban life, whereas large breeds, local mixed-breeds and stray animals provoke different reactions. That is precisely why "dog literacy" should include an understanding of signals of fear, stress, territoriality and sudden movements, as well as the ability to give an unfamiliar dog space in good time.
Education does not absolve owners of responsibility and does not replace strict control, but it serves as an additional layer of prevention. The columnist, who has worked for many years with shelters on Lantau Island, notes that difficulties often arise not because of a "bad" or a "good" dog, but because of a lack of understanding of its behaviour in a dense urban environment.
A dog-friendly city must take into account the interests of those who are afraid of animals or who, for cultural reasons, prefer to keep their distance. Basic knowledge about dogs will help to respect others' boundaries while at the same time supporting responsible ownership.
As Tamblyn writes, there is no need to become experts, but it is important to learn to distinguish situations and respond accordingly — that is the step towards genuine "dog literacy" in Hong Kong.
