(CN) More shelters being established for stray, illegal dogs - Beijing

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More shelters being established for stray, illegal dogs

By Xie Chuanjiao

China Daily

2006-11-16

 

BEIJING, Nov. 16 -- Beijing and neighbouring Hebei Province are establishing

more homes for the increasing number of stray and illegal dogs, according to

Beijing Public Security Bureau.

 

Illegal dogs are either unregistered, or contravene Beijing's " one dog per

family policy. " Official statistics show there are 550,000 registered dogs in

the city, but Beijing Association of Small Animal Protection estimates there are

a further 450,000 unregistered dogs.

 

One of these centres is Beijing Canine Shelter and Inspection Centre located in

Qiliqu Town, Changping District in the north of the city.

 

As a police truck arrived at the centre yesterday afternoon, another four dogs

were delivered to their brand new home and given a health check.

 

With four buildings for large dogs, eight rows of kennels for small ones, a

quarantine zone, an isolation zone and an adoption zone, the centre is capable

of holding more than 1,000 dogs, said Huang Zhimin, head of the canine

administration department of the bureau. To date the centre has received more

than 500 dogs.

 

The centre also has a hospital and a dog cafeteria, while professional pet

attendants and training experts ensure the dogs are treated well.

 

" Nutritious food is specially prepared every day and they are given healthy

portions, " said Huang.

 

As well as ensuring illegal dogs are treated well and are healthy, the centre

also serves as a base for adoption.

 

Qualified citizens can call the centre's hotline, 6973860, for dog adoption,

which takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays.

 

In Zhuozhou, Hebei Province, the local government yesterday allocated 1 million

yuan (US$125,000) to set up four major dog " foster stations, " Xinhua News Agency

reported.

 

A local official said they would shelter illegal dogs sent to the area from

Beijing.

 

The official said local vets would provide professional caring techniques and a

local army-dog training base would contribute to scientific and rational

management of the stations.

 

Photo:

A reporter is taking a picture for a dog which is in Beijing Canine Shelter and

Inspection Centre on Wednesday.(Xinhua Photo)

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-11/16/xin_3121103160820718198063.jpg

 

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-11/16/content_5335618.htm