By Selina Zhang - New Zealand and China
Amidst China’s rapid societal changes throughout the 21st century, an alarming trend has surfaced — the scapegoating and brutal treatment of stray dogs following one isolated incident of aggression in which a young girl was brutally attacked by a stray dog on the streets. This article delves into the complexities of China’s stray dog dilemma, exploring the split in the wider population between those who believe that the authorities’ resulting policies are warranted and others who argue that it is a harsh and disproportionate response to a single, isolated situation.
By examining the underlying causes and proposing compassionate solutions, I endeavour to illuminate this pressing issue and advocate for a more humane and balanced approach to coexisting with our four-legged companions.
The Rottweiler Attack - The Spark to this Madness
On October 16th, 2023, a distressing video surfaced depicting a harrowing incident unfolding in Chongzhou, nestled within the landscape of China's southwestern province of Sichuan. In the footage, a young girl, accompanied by her mother, emerged from a residential building only to find themselves confronted by a menacing black Rottweiler (Qing, 2023). The canine's aggressive behaviour quickly escalated into a chase, with the girl ultimately falling victim to its vicious bite.
Despite her mother's desperate attempts to free her from the dog's grip by tugging and pulling, the situation spiralled further out of control, exacerbating the severity of the attack. It wasn't until a courageous bystander intervened that the dog was finally driven away, yet the irreversible harm had already been inflicted. Subsequently, the injured girl was rushed to the hospital, where medical professionals attended to her wounds, including bite marks and a ruptured kidney.
Following this tragic event, local authorities have responded with heightened law enforcement measures on stray dogs, albeit some appearing excessively punitive and outrageous, being hunted down by ‘ruthless authorities and police’ (Lau, 2023). Stray dogs, once a part of the urban landscape, have now been cast as the new adversaries, instilling widespread fear within the community. Moreover, even domesticated dogs found roaming without restraint risk facing brutal repercussions, signalling a shift in attitudes towards canine ownership and management.
The Outrageous Response and its Consequences
The outrageous response to this isolated incident reflects a broader societal anxiety surrounding the presence of stray dogs in Chinese cities. While cases of dog aggression are undoubtedly concerning, the knee-jerk reaction to cull entire populations of stray dogs is both ineffective, dangerous, and extremely cruel. Such measures not only fail to address the root causes of aggressive behaviour, but also perpetuate a cycle of violence and fear. Furthermore, regulations in China regarding pet ownership, registration, and animal control vary across cities, with inconsistent enforcement. Additionally, China lacks comprehensive animal cruelty laws to protect pets. In 2019, the Tongzhou district in Beijing implemented a ban on owning dogs taller than 14 inches, giving owners three days to relocate their pets outside the region before seizure. Similarly, Xi’an, a tourist city in northern China, has prohibited residents since 2012 from keeping 34 breeds of dogs, including Pitbulls and German shepherds, emphasising the lack of animal rights implemented within the country (Lau, 2023).
According to data from animal welfare organisations, the mass culling of stray dogs is ineffective in controlling populations and reducing instances of aggression. Instead, it increases the suffering of innocent animals and contributes to a climate of fear and mistrust.
My own experience
I volunteered for two weeks at a dog shelter with stray dogs in Beijing this summer. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the plight of stray dogs in China, I can attest to the heart-breaking consequences of misguided policies and public hysteria. While in Beijing, I encountered countless stray dogs roaming the streets, scavenging for food and seeking refuge in the shadows of towering skyscrapers. Despite their often forlorn appearance, these animals exhibited remarkable resilience and affection, eager for even the smallest gesture of kindness.
However, my encounters with these gentle souls were often overshadowed by the pervasive fear and mistrust harboured by many city dwellers. Tales of dog attacks circulated with alarming frequency, fueling a climate of paranoia and intolerance towards stray animals. Rather than addressing the underlying factors contributing to canine aggression, such as neglect, abuse, and inadequate socialisation, authorities resorted to draconian measures aimed at eradicating stray dog populations altogether.
As history has shown, the indiscriminate culling of stray dogs does little to mitigate the risks of aggressive behaviour. Instead, it perpetuates a cycle of violence and suffering, condemning innocent animals to a fate of cruelty and neglect. Moreover, it reflects a disturbing disregard for the intrinsic value of animal life and the principles of compassion and empathy.
The solution
Moving forward, it is imperative that we challenge the dangerous misconceptions surrounding China's stray dog dilemma and advocate for more humane and sustainable solutions. To address these issues effectively, we must implement comprehensive animal welfare laws that outline clear guidelines for the treatment of animals, including provisions for their care, protection, and welfare. By establishing legal frameworks, authorities can ensure accountability and enforcement mechanisms to prevent animal cruelty and neglect — an issue that is currently prevalent within Chinese society and exacerbated by the recent stray dog scandal.
Moreover, increasing and promoting responsible pet ownership is another crucial aspect of tackling the stray dog dilemma; education campaigns and public awareness initiatives can help instil a sense of responsibility among pet owners, emphasising the importance of providing proper care, shelter, and medical attention to their animals.
Furthermore, governments investing in initiatives aimed at the sterilisation, vaccination, and rehabilitation of stray animals is essential for addressing the root causes of the issue. To implement these initiatives, organisations and government agencies can collaborate to establish spay and neuter clinics, vaccination programs, and shelters for stray animals. By providing these essential services, communities can effectively manage stray animal populations while promoting their health and well-being, an important aspect that can help China become more ethical in its treatment of these animals.
In conclusion, by fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, we can forge a path towards mutual respect between humans and our four-legged companions whilst recognising the intrinsic value of all living beings to promote compassion towards animals. Through collective efforts and collaboration, we can work towards creating a world where animals are treated with dignity and respect, ensuring a better future for both humans and animals alike.
Bibliography:
Qing, Ang. "China’s Crackdown on Stray Dogs Sparks Public Outcry." The Straits Times, 23 Oct. 2023. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-s-crackdown-on-stray-dogs-sparks-public-outcry#:~:text=On%20Oct%2016%2C%20a%20two,is%20reportedly%20in%20stable%20condition
Lau, Chris. "Chinese Authorities Crack down on Stray Dogs After a Rottweiler Mauls a Toddler. But Some Say They’Ve Gone Too Far." CNN, 30 Oct. 2023. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/31/china/china-cracks-down-on-stray-dogs-intl-hnk/index.html
Roeloffs, Mary W. "China Is Doubling Down On Its ‘Oversized’ Dog Ban After A Toddler Was Mauled By A Rottweiler." Forbes, 23 Oct. 2023. https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/10/23/china-is-doubling-down-on-its-oversized-dog-ban-after-a-toddler-was-mauled-by-a-rottweiler/
"Stray Dog Population Management." World Animal Protection, www.worldanimalprotection.ca/education/animal-welfare-issues/stray-dog-population-management/.
"China Has Embraced Pets, but Animal Welfare Is Still a Problem." The Economist, 31 Aug. 2023. https://www.economist.com/china/2023/08/31/china-has-embraced-pets-but-animal-welfare-is-still-a-problem#
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