Harsh canine policy would shame civilized Shanghai
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However, stray dogs in China are not so lucky.
There are professional teams to capture and kill stray dogs, and these people's means of dealing with stray dogs are definitely not euthanasia, but murder.
In cities, there are NGOs and animal protectionists collecting and caring about stray dogs. But this is far from enough.
Rabies is an important reason to kill stray dogs. Once a rabies case breaks out, the local government often kill tens of thousands of dogs. Such slaughters repeatedly take place.
However, such a way of preventing rabies is not scientific, but merely bloody and cruel.
Stray dogs are not criminals. It is those who abandoned them that should be blamed.
These stray dogs live on dirty food and sleep in streets. It's too cruel to take away their right to survive.
The government shouldn't be in the business of slaughtering innocent animals, but that of finding them new homes.
Stop killing dogs, and treat well the most faithful friends of humanity. Let people have a reason to believe that kindness still exists in human nature.
The Shanghai municipal government later clarified through the media that stray dogs would be collected by special stations.
However, it is still unclear how these dogs would be dealt with after that. They may eventually face the needle through no fault of their own.
A city's management of stray animals can also show its degree of civilization.
Shanghai is one of China's biggest cities, and an economic, financial and shipping center. It is also a glorious international metropolis. It ought to be a city of civilization and harmony.
Shanghai should be an example for other areas in China in treating stray animals.
Shanghai, we are watching how you treat your dogs!
The author is a lawyer based in Hefei, Anhui Province. viewpoint@globaltimes.com.cn
