A couple was barred from entering their parents' home during a Spring Festival visit in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, because they had got a dog instead of having a child, Wuhan Evening News reported.

Gao Guoping and his wife Xu Hanqun were snubbed by his parents when they arrived at their home in the city's Xihu district. Gao's father has always wanted a grandchild but the couple, who have been together for five years, have refused.

They bought the dog three months ago.

(China Daily February 11, 2009)