The canines are now detained at the department’s animal management centre for observation. Three of them were found to be microchipped.
The department said it has prosecuted one owner for offences under the Rabies Regulation.
During the operation, one of the dogs bit a frontline staff member on the hand. The worker remains in a stable condition after receiving treatment and is currently under observation in the hospital.
The AFCD also dismissed claims that the dogs would be euthanised four days after being caught.
It explained that the four-day statutory requirement is simply the legal timeframe for the department to carry out inquiries and trace an owner.
If no owner comes forward, the department will “patiently observe the received animals” and arrange for those deemed healthy and docile to be spayed or neutered at animal welfare organisations before being put up for public adoption.
Unclaimed dogs will not be released back into the community to ensure public safety, the department added.
