City should raise oversight on dog owners as well as numbers

ACCORDING TO A RECENTLY PASSED REGULATION, which will come into force on June 1, no household in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, South China, may raise more than one dog. Comments:

Many argue that a citizen has the right to make dog companions. But there are already more than 70,000 dogs in Zhuhai, and incidents such as dogs attacking children or the nuisance of dog excrement stir trouble even conflicts. When raising a dog, one must respect other people's interests; that the regulation has been passed at the local legislature means residents support it.

Legal Daily, April 9

It is good news that the local authorities are trying to regulate dog ownership, this is a positive step. However, a citizen should have the choice of how many dogs they raise. Is it really necessary to limit their choice by means of the law? A smarter way is to increase the cost and regulate the standards for raising dogs.

China National Radio, April 9

Too many dogs, especially when raised in improper ways, interrupt people's normal lives and even harm their safety; which is why we need regulations. A quick look at Zhuhai, even the nation, and you will find that there are already many regulations that clearly define the duties and rights of dog owners and the penalties they face if they break the rules. However, these regulations are simply not enforced. It is better to strictly implement the existing regulations rather than drafting new ones.

Morning Herald, April 9

The conflict between dog owners and other residents is a problem not only in China. In some cities in the developed world, they have laws that require dog owners to properly register and control their dogs, to prevent them from making too much noise or hurting people, and also protect dogs' welfare. Why doesn't Zhuhai follow this thinking? That's better than a cold column that says "one household, one dog ".

China Youth Daily, April 9