A shocking video of a Rottweiler mauling a two-year-old girl in China has prompted a crackdown by local authorities on stray dogs that some argue has now gone too far.
Authorities were initially praised for their swift response to the incident, but netizens soon began sharing accounts of stray canines in their neighborhood being roughly rounded up and, in some cases, put down.
The new directive to clamp down on large, unleashed dogs is being cited as the latest example of a knee-jerk reaction by Chinese authorities that also highlights the country’s long-standing struggle with animal rights and welfare.
“Just because a large dog bit a child, all of them are being hunted down by ruthless security guards and police,” one user wrote on Chinese social media Weibo under the hashtag “Will the biting of the girl bring stigma to a large dog?” viewed by almost 1 million users.
“Such a one-size-fits-all approach makes me really sad,” she said.
Video of the October 16 attack shows the girl stepping out of a residential compound with her mother in Chongzhou, in China’s southwestern province of Sichuan, and immediately being chased and bitten by a large black Rottweiler.
The mother tries to shield her daughter from the dog, but then tries to pull her back as the animal drags the child around.
A cleaner who comes to help with a broom also fails to drive the dog away.
A man finally succeeds in chasing the Rottweiler away with a wooden stick.
By that time, the mother is sitting on the ground, crying, with her daughter in her arms.
Calls to add Rottweilers to list of banned dogs after string of attacks
The toddler was admitted to hospital, where she was treated for a ruptured kidney, fractured ribs and bite marks on various parts of her body, several Chinese state media outlets reported.
Authorities caught the Rottweiler and detained its owner, according to state media.
Since then, local authorities in a raft of provinces including Shandong, Jiangxi, Yunnan, Hunan, Anhui have stepped up law enforcement, some more heavy-handed than others.
Stray dogs are the main targets, but pets who are unleashed can also be subject to control measures.
Most local police said they would ramp up patrols to round up stray dogs and fine owners who fail to put their dogs on a leash.
More robust approaches include police in Yanzhou in Shandong vowing to hunt down “mad dogs” and euthanize them.
The country is home to 40 million stray dogs, according to the 2021 China Pet Industry white paper.
In the past, strays have been blamed for rabies outbreaks and authorities have attempted to control their numbers with culls.
In one case that triggered an outpouring of grief online, a small stray dog – known as Xiao Huang, or little yellow – was taken away in a net by security personnel at a university campus in Chongqing and beaten to death, according to state-affiliated media.
Many netizens were perplexed by the decision to kill a tiny dog, whose image is being shared on Weibo with the hashtag “straydogxiaohuang,” with a call for greater rights for stray dogs.
The university said the canine had entered the student dormitory, posing a threat to the safety, according to state-affiliated news outlet Beijing Time.
In Shanghai, images of police officers descending on a local neighborhood and dragging away a German Shepherd also sparked fury online.
Many netizens believe the dog was old and did not pose a danger to the community.
But Shanghai authorities said they were acting on complaints from neighbors about an aggressive dog and that it was “taken in and dealt with,” according to a post on their WeChat account.
This is not the first time Chinese authorities have been accused of being heavy-handed with animals.
During Covid, some pet owners complained that their dogs were beaten to death when they were taken away for quarantine, anecdotes that sparked uproar across the internet.
A number of netizens praised the authorities for taking proactive steps, but most warned against the consequences of going overboard.
Celebrities also joined the chorus of animal lovers to call for better understanding.
Chinese actress and singer Cya Liu, who won Best Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards last year, called for an end to the killing.
“Not all stray dogs are bad just as not all men are good,” she wrote on Weibo, with the hashtag “voicing out for stray dogs.”
Bo Ai Animal Protection Centre Of Guangyuan in Sichuan wrote on Tumblr-like Chinese social media Meipian that China should be using its development to instill a better sense of social responsibility and a respect for animals in people.
“Beating and catching dogs at every turn. Let the world see what our great motherland is like,” it said.
Saving lovable puppies: A courageous battle against numerous health-threatening parasites to secure a journey towards a joyous and wholesome existence-d6
In a world where the boundless charm of puppies meets the harsh reality of health-threatening parasites, a group of dedicated individuals has embarked on a courageous battle to ensure these lovable companions find their way to a joyous and wholesome existence.
The journey begins with the recognition of the vulnerability of these adorable creatures. Puppies, with their wide-eyed innocence and playful demeanor, often fall prey to a myriad of parasites that threaten their well-being. The guardians, driven by compassion and a deep sense of responsibility, have committed themselves to stand against this invisible menace.
Countless health-threatening parasites lurk in the shadows, ready to compromise the vitality of these innocent beings. From intestinal worms to external pests, the battle encompasses a wide spectrum of challenges. The guardians employ a multi-faceted approach, combining preventive measures, medical interventions, and educational outreach to tackle the issue at its roots.
Preventive measures form a crucial aspect of the guardians’ strategy. They tirelessly work to create awareness among pet owners about the significance of regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and maintaining a clean environment. By empowering the community with knowledge, they aim to build a shield against potential health threats, ensuring that puppies start their lives on a foundation of wellness.
The courageous battle against health-threatening parasites extends beyond awareness. The guardians actively collaborate with veterinary experts, researchers, and pet care professionals to stay ahead of emerging challenges. Through continuous learning and adaptation, they refine their strategies, ensuring the most effective and compassionate care for the puppies under their protection.
Medical interventions play a pivotal role in the guardians’ quest. Each rescued puppy undergoes thorough veterinary assessments, enabling prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. The guardians spare no effort in ensuring that these interventions not only eradicate existing parasites but also prevent future infestations, securing a healthier and happier life for their charges.
Educational outreach emerges as a beacon of hope in the guardians’ mission. They engage with communities, schools, and pet owners, fostering a culture of responsible pet care. By instilling a sense of shared responsibility, they aim to create a ripple effect that extends beyond the immediate rescue efforts, promoting a sustained commitment to the well-being of all puppies.
In the face of adversity, these guardians stand firm, unwavering in their commitment to saving lovable puppies from the clutches of health-threatening parasites. Their journey is not just a battle; it is a testament to the enduring power of compassion and the potential for positive change. Through their collective efforts, a pathway is being forged—a journey towards a joyous and wholesome existence for every puppy, where innocence is preserved, and well-being is paramount.
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