Chinese city adopts one-dog policy

With pet dogs emerging as a “serious social problem” in a city in eastern China, authorities on Monday adopted a one-dog policy to control the pooch population.

Qingdao city adopted the policy under which people need to register their pooch for USD 59 (400 yuan), a move aimed at prohibiting them from keeping 40 big breeds like mastiffs and German shepherds.

“An eligible dog should get a rabies vaccine and a license, and have an electronic chip implanted during the registration process,” said Zhao Jun, an official at the Qingdao public security bureau.

The electronic chip, which is implanted under the skin of a dog’s neck, stores information about the animal, its owner and the date of vaccination, the People’s Daily reported.

Registration work will start on Thursday, with 30 pet hospitals authorised to provide the service.

Zhao said that dogs have become a “serious social problem” as increasing numbers of city dwellers are keeping them.

“Pet lovers and those who don’t like animals often have disagreements, and some dogs negatively affect the city’s environment and people’s lives,” Zhao said.

“The regulation came out after the consideration of opinions of experts, officials and residents, and after reviewing domestic and international experience,” Zhao said.

The new regulation allows owners six months to register their dogs.

After that, the authorities will take law enforcement action against violators, including fines and confiscation of animals. The new regulation will be implemented in four heavily populated downtown districts.

Dogs registered before the new regulation was issued are not affected.

Qingdao is not the first city in China to make a one-dog policy.