One-dog law

GUANGZHOU, China — Mrs. Chen can’t imagine abandoning one of her two best friends: her scruffy terrier mutt and a white fluffy Pekingese mix.

But that’s what the government in this southern Chinese city wants the middle-aged housewife to do when a one-dog policy takes effect in Guangzhou.

Beginning July 1, each household can raise only one pooch. The rule won’t be grandfathered in, so families with two or more dogs will apparently have to decide which gets to stay.

"It’s a cruel regulation. These dogs are like family. How can you keep one and get rid of the others?” said Chen, who declined to give her full name.

The law appears to be part of an effort to control stray dogs in Guangzhou. It is one of the richest cities in China and has a rapidly growing middle class that can afford dogs.

Many of the first-time pet owners don’t bother to spay or neuter animals and are new to the burdens of keeping an animal. The canines often end up on the street.

Guangzhou is also preparing to host the Asian Games next year, and crews have been sprucing up the city of 12 million people. Reducing the dog population will likely mean cleaner sidewalks.


Chen said she plans to register one of her dogs with her parents.

"In China, we have a saying,” she said. "When the people at the top make a policy, the people at the bottom find a way to get around it.”



by the associated press