Dog registration is on the up in Beijing, with ID cards being issued for more than 320,000 of the capital's pet pooches so far this year.

This represents a year-on-year rise of almost 40 per cent in Beijing's dog registrations, according to the Beijing News.

Official statistics showed that a mere 137,000 of the capital's million-strong dog population were registered in 2002, a number that has increased every year since, reaching 458,000 in 2005.

Why have so many more of the capital's dog lovers decided to register their prized pets? The answer is simple it's cheaper.

In 2003, the capital's legislature, the Beijing Municipal People's Congress, endorsed a new set of regulations related to dog ownership.

The new rules cut the initial registration fee for a dog from the hefty 5,000 yuan (US$625) set in 1994, to a more affordable 1,000 yuan (US$125).

Retiree Gao Jingying, who has a monthly income of less than 2,000 yuan (US$250), said that she could now register her dog.

"It is quite significant for people like me," said Gao.

Unwilling to fork out the 5,000 yuan registration fee, Gao sent her pride and joy away in 2001 to stay with friends in the countryside.

Now she can afford the fee, Gao has registered her dog with Beijing Public Security Bureau for the past two years.

But it's not just a matter of getting a piece of paper, registration also means that Gao's dog can receive annual vaccinations against rabies and a host of other diseases for a fee of 500 yuan (US$62).

But not everyone is as happy about the rules, which apply in Beijing's eight urban districts.

"More and more people are raising dogs in my community," said Hong Xianze, 63. "Every time I take a walk after supper, I have to watch carefully in case I step in dog excrement."

Having heard many people express similar views, Xu Qin, a member of the Beijing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has called for a new regulation on raising pets.

"I am not against raising pets, but it should not affect other people's lives," remarked Xu.

The current rules forbid people in downtown Beijing from owning dogs taller than 35 centimetres and walking them in parks and other public places. Dog owners are also required to clean up after their pets.

Xu pointed out that although many people flout these rules, few are punished.

"I often see people walking huge dogs, with many people being forced to step out of their way," said Hong. "But I have never heard of anyone being fined for this."

Xu has received a reply from the municipal agricultural bureau, which said efforts would be made to put the regulation on the city's legislative agenda as soon as possible.

Xu warned that until such a regulation is on the city's statute book, dogs could be a source of friction between neighbours and result in dirtier neighbourhoods.

(China Daily 05/29/2006 page5)