Recent discussions have arisen in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province over the regulations that could impose fines ranging from 200 to 1000 yuan on residents for walking their dogs during the day. This restriction stems from an old regulation that has been in existence for 30 years but has recently sparked intense debates between dog owners and the general public due to strict enforcement by the authorities.
The clause that penalizes Hangzhou residents for walking their dogs during the day is derived from the “Hangzhou Dog-Restriction Regulations” promulgated in 1995 and amended in 2004. These regulations impose restrictions on the time small ornamental dogs in key restricted breeding areas can go outdoors, allowing outings only from 7 pm to 7 am the next day, with violators facing penalties.
According to the regulations in Hangzhou, key restricted breeding areas mainly include the areas within the Ring Road and north of the Qiantang River, including West Lake, West Creek Scenic Area, and Xihu Lake Resort area. Not all dog breeds are allowed to be kept in this area, with restrictions on the breeds that can be kept. Only small ornamental dogs under 45 cm in height and 60 cm in length are allowed to be taken out from 7 pm to 7 am the next day, with dog walking banned during the day.
Over 30 small ornamental dog breeds are permitted, such as the Chihuahua, and common breeds like the Golden Retriever and Labrador are on the list of prohibited breeds. Large and aggressive dog breeds are strictly prohibited; large dogs must be kept at home at all times and are not allowed to go out.
In addition to breed and time restrictions, dog owners must also comply with management requirements such as leash control. A report from Hangzhou media in 2018 quoted the local urban management department saying that when walking dogs, they should be led by adults and a leash should be used.
The key point of contention in this dispute is the reintroduction of a dog-rearing regulation that has been in use for years, sparking a heated discussion online. Netizens have posted various comments:
“Residents are annoyed by irresponsible dog owners. This one-size-fits-all policy is not scientific unless it was not intended for long-term implementation.”
“Although I don’t own a dog and also dislike irresponsible dog owners, the daytime dog-walking ban is too absolute. The real focus should be on penalizing actions like abandonment, failure to leash, and improper ownership of large dogs.”
“I support cracking down on uncivilized dog owners, but I do not support this blunt and overbearing lazy governance approach.”
The issue of pet ownership and regulations in Hangzhou appears to be a point of contention, stirring debates among residents, dog owners, and the authorities.