Chongqing explicitly bans 32 dog breeds
In a move that has sparked widespread attention and heated discussions on Chinese social media, the city of Chongqing has explicitly banned 32 dog breeds as part of their strengthened dog management regulations. The list includes popular breeds such as Tibetan Mastiff, Standard Bull Terrier, Caspian Sea Dog, Rottweiler, and Czech Wolf Dog.
17 October 2023
The ban was implemented from October 1 this year with the notice of the list of dog species prohibited in general management areas and key management areas and large dog standards (trial). The regulation states that any dog found to be among the 32 banned breeds will not be allowed within the city limits.
The news has sparked a variety of reactions from concerned citizens on Weibo, China's most popular microblogging platform. Some netizens expressed their support for the new regulations, highlighting the potential dangers associated with large and vicious dogs in public areas.
"I am also a dog lover and I get angry when seeing large dogs without leashes," one Weibo user posted. "The owners are fully responsible! And I really hope that they can control their large-breed dogs. It's still quite dangerous! I hope the little girl is ok!"
However, not all reactions were positive. Some netizens expressed concern about the potential consequences of the ban, including whether it would be effectively enforced and what it could mean for dog owners in general.
"It's difficult to determine whether it can be implemented," another user posted. "Anyway, when you meet a big dog, just avoid it and don't touch it for the beauty. If you are careless and get bitten, the pain is on your own body, no one can help you share your pain."
There were also concerns about whether or not breeding dogs would be prohibited under these new regulations. "Please make it clear that no breeding is actually forbidden, and don't breed," a user pleaded.
The incident in Chongzhou, Sichuan has led to similar announcements of strengthened dog management across the country, including Hebei's Tianjin City which prohibits 52 dog breeds and restricts owners from keeping dogs with shoulder heights exceeding 50 cm. However, there is currently no national unified standard for prohibited dogs, leading to significant differences in regional regulations.
Despite the concerns and criticisms, many netizens expressed support for Chongqing's new regulations, emphasizing that responsible dog ownership involves leashing and controlling one's pets when they are out in public. "Chongqing is doing well," a user posted. "Some aggressive dogs are not suitable for pet ownership. If you have one, then take responsibility and things like walking your dog with a leash are basic basics right? Sometimes when I meet some large dogs on the road, it may just want to get close to you but in my heart there will be fears. If you have a dog at home, then take responsibility for your pet, and also show responsibility towards passersby when walking your dog."
As law enforcement begins in Zhengzhou with the arrest of dogs not leashed outside their homes, other netizens are calling for similar regulations to be implemented nationwide. "Love dog enthusiasts, please raise your dogs legally and civilly," a user posted.
The new regulations have also prompted some users to share stories about their experiences