Are Dogs Popular Pets in China?
Many are familiar with the Chinese policy adopted in 1979, which prevented families from having more than one child. According to the Chinese government, that policy prevented 400 million births. In 2015, the Communist Party of China relaxed the restrictions slightly and changed the law to allow two children per family.
Few are aware however that a similar policy was implemented for dogs. In a number of Chinese cities — including Qingdao and Shanghai — only one dog is allowed per family. Due to this policy, dogs will not be as popular in some cities, as they were before.
Canine population control:
- Families that have more than one pup will be required to surrender the animals to an adoption agency.
- The new policy also bans so-called “ferocious” dog breeds, including pit bulls, Doberman Pinschers, and Tibetan Mastiffs.
- Dog owners are required to register pets, and non-compliance will result in a fine equivalent to $60 USD.
