Puppy love: Qingdao counters complaints with one-dog policy

World
Europe

The rise of China’s middle class has led to a rapid increase in dog ownership.

However, the city of Qingdao in eastern Shandong province has rolled out new regulations limiting dog ownership to just one per household.

Anyone found to have more than one pooch will face a fine of nearly 300 US dollars, as well as having to pay a service fee of around 60 dollars.

Officials say the new rules have been introduced to counter a growing number of dog-related complaints such as unleashed dogs, uncollected waste and people being attacked by poorly-trained dogs.

Owners in Qingdao have also been ordered to vaccinate their dogs and provide an immunization registration card. In addition to a vaccine record, the card also contains information about both the owner and the dog.

The new “one dog policy” means exactly what it says although people who already own more than one animal will be allowed to keep them.

Some web users have supported the new rules, saying that they could help prevent the spread of diseases but others think the regulations too harsh.

And pet lovers in China aren't just allowed to have any breed of dog. There are over 40 different kinds of "big dogs" which are forbidden as pets due to safety concerns.