Shenzhen is planning to launch a unified platform for handling dog-related services, such as applying for a dog license or dog adoption and searching for missing dogs, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported yesterday.
Meanwhile, as the monthlong special rectification action has reduced uncivilized dog-raising behaviors in the city, the dog management office under the city’s urban management bureau said it will put together a summary report as soon as possible, which is aimed at providing suggestions on dog management legislation.
Zhang Lei, director of the dog management office, said clear legislation is needed to provide guidance for the dog-keeping management system and law enforcement.
He said that the urban management department would submit the summary opinions to the city’s legal office, calling for the revision of the original regulations on dog-keeping management and the establishment of clear provisions on pet market management, illegal acts, law enforcement and community governance.
“Our plan is to provide a package of services for dog owners on the platform. At present, we are seeking cooperation with Tencent. If it goes well, we hope to launch it on WeChat’s urban service platform around the middle of next year,” Zhang was quoted as saying.
He disclosed that the urban management department is also in talks with Alipay and that it would be possible to launch dog license services on Alipay next year.
During a field visit to two residential estates in Nanshan District over the weekend, a reporter with the Daily saw a dozen residents walking their dogs after meals and only found one resident walking a dog without a leash.
A resident surnamed Sun immediately took out his dog license when the reporter asked if he had one. “In the past, I would not bring the dog license with me. But now, I have developed the habit of putting the license and my keys together and bringing them with me whenever I walk the dog,” Sun told the reporter.
According to another resident who was not identified, the mornings and evenings are the peak times for walking dogs. Since the urban management bureau carried out the special action, many residents have developed the habit of walking their dogs with a leash.
