Life isn't good for dogs in China. Historically, China hasn't been a very dog-friendly place, more likely to consider dogs food than pets, but in recent years that trend has been changing. Both in cities and in rural provinces, pet dogs are becoming commonplace. Unfortunately, a new Chinese law limiting households to just one dog threatens the lives of many of these beloved pets. "Extra" dogs, unlicensed dogs, and dogs over a certain size are being slaughtered. In one province, authorities beat to death 55,000 dogs, many in front of their owners. In many areas, the dogs who remain must be under a certain size. In other areas, dogs are severely restricted in where they can go, not even allowed in parks.
Why the sudden crackdown? Rabies. Fewer than three percent of dogs in China are vaccinated against the disease, and in 2004 (the last year with data available), there were more than 69,000 cases of rabies and over 2600 deaths. The Ministry of Health says rabies is more deadly in China than AIDs or tuberculosis.
Clearly, rabies is serious. However, the one dog rule doesn't address the problem. One dog can contract rabies as easily as two. Instead of beating dogs to death in front of their owners, China should work to make rabies vaccinations available to all of their country's dogs. Countries such as the United States and England show that required rabies vaccinations do work to essentially erradicate the disease.
The misguided law in China can't help but remind me of the misguided breed-specific legislation happening in parts of the United States. This is a sad, sad time for dogs. Love yours, and be vigilant against laws that can threaten your privilege to keep them as companions.
