A reporter is taking a picture for a dog which is in Beijing Canine Shelter and Inspection Centre on Wednesday.(Xinhua Photo)

Beijing and neighbouring Hebei Province are establishing more homes for the increasing number of stray and illegal dogs, according to Beijing Public Security Bureau.

Illegal dogs are either unregistered, or contravene Beijing's "one dog per family policy." Official statistics show there are 550,000 registered dogs in the city, but Beijing Association of Small Animal Protection estimates there are a further 450,000 unregistered dogs.

One of these centres is Beijing Canine Shelter and Inspection Centre located in Qiliqu Town, Changping District in the north of the city.

As a police truck arrived at the centre yesterday afternoon, another four dogs were delivered to their brand new home and given a health check.

With four buildings for large dogs, eight rows of kennels for small ones, a quarantine zone, an isolation zone and an adoption zone, the centre is capable of holding more than 1,000 dogs, said Huang Zhimin, head of the canine administration department of the bureau. To date the centre has received more than 500 dogs.

The centre also has a hospital and a dog cafeteria, while professional pet attendants and training experts ensure the dogs are treated well.

"Nutritious food is specially prepared every day and they are given healthy portions," said Huang.

As well as ensuring illegal dogs are treated well and are healthy, the centre also serves as a base for adoption.

Qualified citizens can call the centre's hotline, 6973860, for dog adoption, which takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays.

In Zhuozhou, Hebei Province, the local government yesterday allocated 1 million yuan (US$125,000) to set up four major dog "foster stations," Xinhua News Agency reported.

A local official said they would shelter illegal dogs sent to the area from Beijing.

The official said local vets would provide professional caring techniques and a local army-dog training base would contribute to scientific and rational management of the stations.

Editor: Yan