Forensic experts examine several dogs after Hong Kong cyclist’s death

Government forensic pathologists believe a young cyclist who died after a suspected dog attack in Hong Kong may have been bitten on the neck by several animals, the South China Morning Post reports. The victim was identified as 27-year-old Fairview Park resident Eva Chu. She was found on Pok Wai South Road near Nam Sang Wai at 12.42am on September 20, after CCTV showed three dogs chasing her while she rode a shared bicycle.

Chu was discovered about 30 metres from the chase, near a Drainage Services Department sewage pumping station. She was taken to Pok Oi Hospital in Yuen Long, where she was pronounced dead. Police said she had lacerations to her head, face, neck, arms and legs.

Injuries to the head and neck were believed to have been fatal. A source told the SCMP that forensic pathologists initially considered it highly likely that bites to the neck, including injuries to the windpipe, caused her death. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and police launched operations to capture dogs in the area.

Eight mongrels were caught, including three with microchips. Investigators are examining whether those dogs, as well as nearly 20 warehouse guard dogs nearby, carried the victim’s DNA. Authorities are also comparing bite marks found on Chu’s body with the teeth of captured animals.

The results will be submitted to the Coroner’s Court, which will decide whether an inquest should be held. However, the SCMP reported that the evidence may not establish which animals were responsible. One captured microchipped dog belonged to animal welfare activist Kent Luk Ka-chit, who was later charged over alleged failures involving dog control and licensing.

Luk said the 13-year-old mongrel was gentle and not responsible.