A 27-year-old cyclist who died last month after an apparent dog attack was likely bitten on the neck by multiple dogs, but authorities say it may prove impossible to conclusively identify which animals were responsible.

The victim, Eva Chu, a resident of Fairview Park and a background music operator, was found unconscious on Pok Wai South Road near Nam Sang Wai at 12:42 a.m. on September 20. CCTV footage captured three dogs chasing Chu while she rode a shared bicycle approximately 30 meters from the location where she was discovered, near a Drainage Services Department sewage pumping station. Chu was rushed to Pok Oi Hospital in Yuen Long, where she was pronounced dead. Police reported that she sustained lacerations to her head, face, neck, arms, and legs, with injuries around her head and neck believed to be fatal, including damage to her windpipe.

Following the incident, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and police conducted operations to capture stray dogs in the area. A total of eight dogs were seized, three of which had been microchipped. Investigators are testing these animals, as well as nearly 20 warehouse guard dogs found nearby, to check for the presence of the victim’s DNA. Authorities are comparing bite marks on Chu’s body with the dental patterns of the captured dogs to try to establish which animals were involved in the attack. The findings will be presented to the Coroner’s Court, which will determine whether an inquest is necessary.

Despite the investigative efforts, sources indicate that pinpointing the exact dogs responsible may be highly challenging. “It may ultimately be impossible to determine which dog, or dogs, were responsible,” an insider said, noting that similar difficulties have been encountered elsewhere. Nonetheless, experts from various fields remain committed to exhausting all possible avenues of inquiry.

One of the microchipped dogs caught belonged to an animal welfare activist, Kent Luk Ka-chit, founder of the rescue group Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter. Luk was charged with failing to keep the dog under proper control and maintaining a dog with an expired license. He defended the animal, describing it as a 13-year-old mongrel known for its gentle nature and limited mobility, and asserted that this dog was not involved in the attack.

Another animal welfare advocate, April Yip of Home for Homeless Dogs, highlighted that many volunteers register as keepers of stray dogs specifically to facilitate neutering procedures and prevent euthanasia. She called on authorities to consider exempting such volunteers from prosecution. Luk, however, expressed concern that granting exemptions could lead to disorder, as “anyone can claim to be a volunteer,” and there is currently no official recognition for such individuals.

The investigation into Chu’s death continues as authorities work to balance public safety, animal welfare concerns, and community efforts to manage stray dog populations.