The license fee for keeping a dog in most parts of Shenzhen will be 2,000 yuan (US$241) according to the newly drafted Regulations on Dog Raising in Shenzhen, 3,000 yuan less than the previous license fee.

The news was released Thursday at a public meeting.

Only 1,858 dogs have been licensed in Shenzhen since 1995, when the Regulations of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone on Dog Raising Restrictions appeared. However, officials said the estimated number of dogs was much more than the figure.

The decrease in license fee was welcomed by most people attending the meeting but some complained it was still too high. Dog owners would pay 100 yuan a year from the second year.

The new regulations also require dog shelters to be set up to house stray dogs. Each household is allowed to raise only one dog according to the regulations. Ferocious dogs and large dogs are forbidden in Shenzhen. When walking a dog, an adult must lead the dog and see to it that the dog is chained and muzzled.

The new regulations also apply to expatriate dog owners in Shenzhen, officials said.

(Shenzhen Daily November 7, 2003)