Shenzhen, China – Molly Mo, a devoted corgi owner, has noticed a significant increase in fellow dog walkers during the midnight hours in the city of Shenzhen, located in southern China. What may seem like a nocturnal dog-walking trend, however, is born from a growing apprehension among pet owners, as a recent dog mauling incident in Chengdu has triggered a government crackdown and fueled anti-dog sentiments.
The incident that sent shockwaves through China occurred when a roaming Rottweiler viciously attacked a two-year-old girl in Chengdu earlier this month. In the wake of this tragedy, Chinese authorities have swiftly taken action to address the issue.
Key points to consider amidst this evolving narrative include the following:
Breed Restrictions: Many cities in China have regulations that prohibit the ownership of “large and powerful” dog breeds. These restrictions aim to ensure public safety, but have also led to concerns among pet owners and breed enthusiasts.
Pet Confiscations: Reports have surfaced of government officials forcibly entering homes to seize pets without the owners’ consent. This has further contributed to the sense of fear and uncertainty among dog owners.
Poisoned Dog Food: Fears have proliferated online regarding the safety of dog food deliveries, with concerns about potential poisonings. This has added to the mounting anxiety gripping the dog-owning community.
Molly Mo, reflecting the sentiments of many pet owners, revealed that she and others have begun walking their dogs late at night to minimize encounters with individuals who might be inclined to report them to authorities. “Many even say they walk their dogs at 1 am or 3 am,” she disclosed to the ABC.
Online platforms like Weibo have become a forum for pet owners to share their anxieties. One Weibo user posted an image of their golden retriever, stating, “Recently, I only dare to walk my dog in the middle of the night. I run immediately even if it’s just someone I spot in the distance.” The user expressed profound fear and uncertainty about keeping a dog, pondering the ethical implications of doing so.
Another user shared a similar sentiment, saying, “The last two days… I ran with my dog whenever I saw people around. And I walked him every night at 11 pm. It’s my laziness plus I’m afraid people might be scared of him.” The prevailing mood among pet owners is one of apprehension and the belief that owning a dog has become increasingly challenging in the wake of the recent events.
