A tragic incident from Hong Kong has shocked the animal welfare community following the death of a dedicated rescue advocate who was fatally mauled by a newly taken-in dog.

Jojo (Wong Cho-yee), the 33-year-old licensee of “Pawsgates”—a licensed pet hotel, animal shelter, and training center in Ping Yeung Village, Ta Kwu Ling—tragically lost her life during a routine afternoon feeding. The facility had only recently opened its doors in January.

Known for her deep commitment to animal welfare, Jojo held certifications in pet first aid, was actively studying pet nutrition, and routinely sponsored elderly and unwanted stray dogs at her own expense. Shortly before her death, she had posted a video appealing to the public for the adoption of five senior dogs she was sponsoring.

Timeline of the Shelter Incident

The incident occurred around 2:00 PM on August 21, when Jojo was working alone at the shelter facility.

• The Rescue Dog: The animal involved was a 1-year-old local mixed-breed mongrel weighing approximately 30kg. It had been brought to the shelter by an animal welfare volunteer just 10 days prior to await adoption.
• The Refusal: CCTV footage showed that after feeding time, Jojo attempted to lead the dog back into its cage or enclosure. The animal refused to enter.
• The Attack: The dog suddenly turned aggressive, attacking her continuously for about one full minute.
• The Scene: Six other dogs were on the premises at the time, but all were secured in their respective cages, leaving them unable to intervene or signal for help.
• Discovery: Police received a call around 4:12 PM after Jojo was found unconscious. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. She suffered severe lacerations and bite marks across her head, jaw, neck, and arms.

Related Incident: The Yuen Long Public Rampage

The tragic fatality at the shelter comes right on the heels of another alarming, high-profile large dog attack in Hong Kong just days prior.

On August 17, 2026, a 60kg, 1.5-meter-long mixed-breed Spanish Mastiff named “Larry” escaped his home and went on a rampage near YOHO Mall in Yuen Long without a leash or muzzle:

• First Attack (~3:00 PM): The 60kg dog ambushed a 17-year-old, 5kg Miniature Poodle near a car park. Despite its owner rushing the pet to a nearby veterinary clinic, the poodle died from its injuries.
• Second Attack (~3:20 PM): Just 20 minutes later, the same dog attacked a 4-year-old Bichon Frisé nearby. Bystanders and the owner tried desperately to intervene, but the dog held on, and the Bichon Frisé was pronounced dead at the scene.
• History & Legal Consequences: Larry had been abandoned multiple times by previous owners and had a prior record of attacking a Corgi in July. Authorities arrested the 52-year-old owner for failing to keep a large dog properly leashed under Hong Kong’s Dangerous Dogs Regulation, while the animal was seized by the AFCD for quarantine and potential euthanasia.

How to Survive or Intervene During a Large Dog Attack

These tragic incidents highlight the immense physical strength of large dogs and how quickly a situation can turn dangerous. Knowing how to react at different stages can help mitigate severe injuries.

1. Before the Bite (De-escalation)

• Freeze and Stand Sideways: Never turn your back or run, as this triggers the dog’s predatory chase instinct. Turn sideways to present a smaller target and protect your vital organs.

• Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Staring directly into an aggressive dog’s eyes is perceived as a challenge. Look slightly down or to the side.

• Offer a Distraction: Toss a bag, jacket, or object away from you to redirect the dog’s focus.

• Back Away Slowly: Step backward toward a door, car, or fence without making sudden movements.

2. If an Attack Is Imminent

• Feed the Dog a Shield: Put a backpack, folded coat, or heavy object between you and the dog so it bites the object instead of your body.

• Protect Vital Areas: If you are knocked to the ground, curl into a tight fetal position, clasp your hands behind your neck to protect your throat and spine, and keep your elbows tucked tightly against your ribs. Stay as still as possible.

3. Breaking Up an Active Attack
* Do Not Pull Away Forcefully: Pulling against a clamped jaw causes severe tearing of tissue.

• Use the “Wheelbarrow” Method: If safe to do so, grab the attacking dog’s hind legs, lifting them high off the ground like a wheelbarrow while moving backward to disrupt its balance and leverage.

• Disorient the Animal: Throwing a heavy blanket over the dog’s head or spraying water directly into its snout can temporarily break its focus long enough to separate it from the victim.

Tributes and Community Safety Concerns

Following the loss of Jojo, local animal protection groups and partner rescue organizations paid tribute to her on social media, remembering her as a generous, enthusiastic rescuer who treated every stray like family. Rescuers recalled her gentle habit of squatting down at eye level to whisper reassurances to frightened dogs.

Together, these recent events serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the physical risks involved in handling large animals—underscoring the critical need for dual-handler protocols in rescue facilities and strict leashing enforcement in public spaces.