Wuhan to fine, blacklist owners of unleashed dogs in public

Dog owners in Wuhan, Central China’s Hubei province, can now be fined up to 1,000 yuan ($145) if they walk their pets in public without a muzzle or leash, according to a newly revised regulation.

The regulation, which takes effect on Jan 1, states that rule-breakers will receive a police caution, with serious offenders placed on a blacklist, banning them from traveling on planes and high-speed trains, Hubei Daily reported.

Wuhan legislators have urged pet owners to act responsibly by using leashes, muzzles and name tags on their dogs. Dog walkers should also give way to other pedestrians, they said.