Chinese Cities Adopt One-Dog Policy, Ban Large Canine Breeds

By Ryan Gandolfo

Starting on January 1, 2019, the Huangshi city government announced each household will only be allowed to raise one dog, bringing about the one-dog policy.

Huangshi is not the first city to implement this type of rule. Changsha made a similar announcement in October 2018, stating they will carry out a one-dog policy starting in May 2019. According to a Weibo video post by Pear Video, Harbin also launched a one-dog policy on December 14. The video displays a police officer introducing the new regulation.

In Huangshi, the rule will be enforced within urban areas and strictly prohibit the raising of any dogs over 45 centimeters (measured from the top of the dog’s shoulders to its feet). Over 30 large dog breeds have also been banned after being deemed unsafe around people. Another rule forbids dogs from riding on public transportation and dog owners are expected to carry their pet registration when taking their dog outside. Canines must also be on a leash and cannot enter specific areas of the city.

Hubei Daily also reported that when riding in the elevator with your dog, you must either put a muzzle on your pet or load them into a bag or cage.

The one-dog policy has also been implemented in cities such as Beijing, Qingdao and Chengdu in previous years. Beijing instituted an one-dog policy back in 2006 as a means to combat the growing number of rabies cases. Qingdao and Chengdu also introduced similar regulations in order to reduce the number of incidents where people have been "disturbed and even injured" by canines.

With more and more cities creating stricter rules for raising pets, the one-dog policy is just another reminder of the stance that local governments are taking to combat what they see as a growing problem with poorly managed canines.

Click here to find out how to register a dog in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing and Shenzhen.

Update (December 20 12:20pm CST): This article has been edited to reflect that other cities have adopted an one-dog policy in previous years to combat a growing number of rabies cases as well as public safety reasons.

READ MORE: Wuhan to Fine, Blacklist Dog Owners Who Don't Use a Leash and Muzzle

[Cover image via Unsplash]

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