Under the Animal Protection Law, all dogs weighing 23 kilograms or above must be accompanied by adults and wear muzzles when they are out. However, dog owners may apply to the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) for an assessment for exemption from wearing muzzles for their dogs. Upon passing the assessment examination and obtaining IAM’s permission, the dogs will be exempted from wearing muzzles when walking in public places and common areas of flatted buildings.

The content of muzzle exemption assessment examination adopted by the IAM is set by ethology experts. The assessment benchmarks have been scientifically and objectively established in accordance with the requirements stipulated in the Animal Protection Law, to examine a dog’s aggressiveness and degree of obedience, as well as the dog owner’s ability to control the dog. All assessors have received professional training.

If a dog completes and passes the assessment, the dog will be issued a green dog tag by the IAM for identification, which is valid for three years. If a dog fails the assessment, the owner may apply to take the examination again after four months. There is no limit on the number of times the assessment examination can be taken.