A one dog policy has been introduced for residents in the capital of Heilongjiang province in order to ensure personal safety and preserve public order, xinhuanet.com reported.

The new rule approved by Harbin City also bans dangerous and large dogs as well as limiting each household to one canine.

Dogs will also need to be registered with the authorities and owners will be warned that barking pets must be controlled.

Dog grooming in public is also banned as well as doghouses and cages, according to the report.