Guangzhou Police Crack Down on Dog Ownership

A new campaign by Guangzhou police is seeking to strictly enforce the city’s dog ownership laws.

Officers began patrolling Linjiang Dadao (the main road in Zhujiang New Town that runs along the Pearl River) on July 15, and say they have identified numerous residents walking dogs that are either unregistered or off-leash, according to GRT Radio.

Those whose dogs were not registered were taken straight to a local police station.

The enforcement efforts will take place in all 11 of Guangzhou’s districts, continuing until the end of the year, on December 31.

In addition to unregistered pups and dogs walking freely in public, authorities are looking for breeds that are outlawed and those that they deem dangerous.

Current regulations for dog ownership require officers to issue a warning the first time a person is found to be in violation of the rules. But if the individual fails to address the issue after being warned, police will issue a RMB2,000 fine and confiscate the animal.

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Last November, Guangdong issued strict new rules for pet-keeping in conjunction with a nationwide crackdown on dogs and dog owners.

The new regulations require owners to carry a vaccination certificate whenever walking their pooch, and dogs found to be unvaccinated will result in a fine of RMB5,000.

If someone’s dog injures another person, they are required to pay for vaccination and all necessary medical expenses.

READ MORE: Man in Foshan Kills Neighbor's Dog in Horrid Revenge Act 

Additionally, dogs must be muzzled in public venues, and owners need to clean up their dog’s poop immediately or face fines.

Between August and November of 2018, law-enforcement in Guangzhou alone confiscated 683 dogs and issued 125 penalties – needless to say, if your furry friend is not yet registered, now is the time to do it. 

For Guangzhou pet owners, we have a step-by-step guide on how to register your dogs.
Shenzhen dog owners can click here to learn how to register their canine.

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[Cover image via Pixabay]