Outdated rules

Zhu, from the Zhejiang Small Animal Protection Association, said the regulations being enforced were introduced in 2004 in an attempt to restrict the number of dogs, but given the sheer number of pets and the sector's rapid development, the rules are outdated and no longer suitable.

Moreover, there is no comprehensive animal protection law to serve as a legal basis for the government to enforce, he added.

He believes the rules are necessary because they help maintain sanitary standards, make the public feel safer and raise dog owners' awareness, but the government and lawmakers need to amend the regulations and make greater provision for the animals.

"We have proposed to the authorities that as long as owners keep their dogs in a civilized way, the animals should be allowed the right to sunlight, and restrictions should be applied according to the classifications of aggressiveness for each breed, rather than size," he said.

"Moreover, management of dog ownership should be based on systematic top-to-bottom regulations for the entire industry. The development of the industry overall should serve as the foundation of animal welfare and protection," he said.