A shocking video of a Rottweiler mauling a two-year-old girl in China has prompted a crackdown by local authorities on stray dogs that some argue has now gone too far.
Authorities were initially praised for their swift response to the incident, but netizens soon began sharing accounts of stray canines in their neighborhood being roughly rounded up and, in some cases, put down.
The new directive to clamp down on large, unleashed dogs is being cited as the latest example of a knee-jerk reaction by Chinese authorities that also highlights the country’s long-standing struggle with animal rights and welfare.
“Just because a large dog bit a child, all of them are being hunted down by ruthless security guards and police,” one user wrote on Chinese social media Weibo under the hashtag “Will the biting of the girl bring stigma to a large dog?” viewed by almost 1 million users.
“Such a one-size-fits-all approach makes me really sad,” she said.
Video of the October 16 attack shows the girl stepping out of a residential compound with her mother in Chongzhou, in China’s southwestern province of Sichuan, and immediately being chased and bitten by a large black Rottweiler.
The mother tries to shield her daughter from the dog, but then tries to pull her back as the animal drags the child around.
A cleaner who comes to help with a broom also fails to drive the dog away.
A man finally succeeds in chasing the Rottweiler away with a wooden stick.
By that time, the mother is sitting on the ground, crying, with her daughter in her arms.
Calls to add Rottweilers to list of banned dogs after string of attacks
The toddler was admitted to hospital, where she was treated for a ruptured kidney, fractured ribs and bite marks on various parts of her body, several Chinese state media outlets reported.
Authorities caught the Rottweiler and detained its owner, according to state media.
Since then, local authorities in a raft of provinces including Shandong, Jiangxi, Yunnan, Hunan, Anhui have stepped up law enforcement, some more heavy-handed than others.
Stray dogs are the main targets, but pets who are unleashed can also be subject to control measures.
Most local police said they would ramp up patrols to round up stray dogs and fine owners who fail to put their dogs on a leash.
More robust approaches include police in Yanzhou in Shandong vowing to hunt down “mad dogs” and euthanize them.
The country is home to 40 million stray dogs, according to the 2021 China Pet Industry white paper.
In the past, strays have been blamed for rabies outbreaks and authorities have attempted to control their numbers with culls.
In one case that triggered an outpouring of grief online, a small stray dog – known as Xiao Huang, or little yellow – was taken away in a net by security personnel at a university campus in Chongqing and beaten to death, according to state-affiliated media.
Many netizens were perplexed by the decision to kill a tiny dog, whose image is being shared on Weibo with the hashtag “straydogxiaohuang,” with a call for greater rights for stray dogs.
The university said the canine had entered the student dormitory, posing a threat to the safety, according to state-affiliated news outlet Beijing Time.
In Shanghai, images of police officers descending on a local neighborhood and dragging away a German Shepherd also sparked fury online.
Many netizens believe the dog was old and did not pose a danger to the community.
But Shanghai authorities said they were acting on complaints from neighbors about an aggressive dog and that it was “taken in and dealt with,” according to a post on their WeChat account.
This is not the first time Chinese authorities have been accused of being heavy-handed with animals.
During Covid, some pet owners complained that their dogs were beaten to death when they were taken away for quarantine, anecdotes that sparked uproar across the internet.
A number of netizens praised the authorities for taking proactive steps, but most warned against the consequences of going overboard.
Celebrities also joined the chorus of animal lovers to call for better understanding.
Chinese actress and singer Cya Liu, who won Best Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards last year, called for an end to the killing.
“Not all stray dogs are bad just as not all men are good,” she wrote on Weibo, with the hashtag “voicing out for stray dogs.”
Bo Ai Animal Protection Centre Of Guangyuan in Sichuan wrote on Tumblr-like Chinese social media Meipian that China should be using its development to instill a better sense of social responsibility and a respect for animals in people.
“Beating and catching dogs at every turn. Let the world see what our great motherland is like,” it said.
“Feeling the Birthday Vibes: Hoping for Some Love and Warm Wishes”
It’s a significant day for me today as it marks my birthday, and I’m hoping to receive affection and warm wishes from everyone. Birthdays are not only an opportunity to celebrate life but also an occasion to share love with our friends and family.
In honor of this special day, I came across an image that touched my heart and evoked strong emotions within me. The picture featured a dog with an innocent and playful expression, standing proudly beside a beautifully decorated birthday cake. Witnessing this sight was incredibly heartwarming.
It was evident that the dog understood the importance of the moment, manifesting pure elation and eagerness. Its eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if anticipating the magical moment when everyone would come together to sing “Happy Birthday.”
As one looks at the image, a surge of emotions is bound to arise within. It reminds us of the deep bond that exists between humans and animals. The dog’s presence in the festivities showcases the fundamental need for love, companionship, and the desire to be a part of something special.
The image has touched the hearts of people from all walks of life, resonating with them on an emotional level. As it circulates on social media platforms, the comment section overflows with an outpouring of affection and well-wishes. People express their love not only for the dog but also for the sentiment conveyed through the image.
One individual says, “This picture is a testament to the unwavering love that animals bring into our lives. Happy Birthday! May your day be filled with love and joy, just like this adorable dog.” Another person comments, “I’m moved to tears. It’s astonishing how something as uncomplicated as a dog and a birthday cake can stir such profound emotions in our hearts. Happy Birthday, dear friend! May your day be as magical as this image.”
This image serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love, the significance of connections, and the capability of simple gestures to evoke profound emotions. It symbolizes the universal desire for happiness and the hope that each birthday brings, another year filled with love, growth, and precious memories.
Today is my birthday, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and kindness that is showered upon me. The picture of a dog enjoying a birthday cake perfectly captures the spirit of the love and affection that I wish to share and receive on this occasion. Let us all cherish the happiness, warmth, and enchantment that birthdays bring and hold them dear in our hearts.
The elderly canine was beaming with delight during this significant moment. Its loyal companionship had lasted for more than fifteen years, and now, it was being celebrated in a unique way by its owner. The dog had been an unwavering presence in its owner’s life, providing comfort, loyalty, and unconditional love throughout the years. As the birthday celebrations commenced, the dog’s tail wagged uncontrollably, conveying its euphoria and enthusiasm. It was elated to know that this party was in honor of its existence.
The owner had invited close acquaintances and family members who had been witness to the unbreakable relationship between the dog and its human. Amidst the festivities, the aroma of savory delights filled the air, tempting both guests and the canine with their mouth-watering scent. The owner ensured that the spread included delectable treats that satisfied both human and canine taste buds.
Plates were laden with appetizing snacks, while a special cake designed specifically for dogs took center stage, decorated with canine treats and a solitary candle. This momentous occasion was one that the aging dog would never forget.
Amidst cheers and applause, the moment to cut the cake finally arrived. The furry friend, surrounded by loved ones, basked in the warmth of the affection showered upon it. With a gentle hand guiding its paw, it delicately touched the knife, symbolizing its participation in this memorable moment. The cake was then divided and shared, reflecting the bond between the dog and its human.
Throughout the day, the dog reveled in the attention and affection bestowed upon it. It felt content, knowing that its presence had touched the lives of those around it, just as they had profoundly impacted its own. Belly rubs, cuddles, and heartfelt words of appreciation poured in, making every moment precious.
The celebration continued into the evening, with games and playful activities that brought laughter and joy to everyone present. Despite its old age, the dog wholeheartedly engaged in the festivities, savoring every precious moment. Time seemed to stand still, and for a brief period, the dog felt the weight of the years lift off its shoulders, replaced by an overwhelming sense of happiness and belonging.
As the party drew to a close, the dog curled up at its owner’s feet, feeling a profound sense of fulfillment and love. Its eyes glistened with tears of sheer happiness, a testament to the depth of its emotions. The celebration marked a 15-year journey filled with unbreakable bonds, unwavering loyalty, and unconditional love.
In the end, it wasn’t just a birthday party; it was a commemoration of the remarkable journey shared by a dog and its owner. It was a tribute to the joy that a beloved pet brings into our lives, and for this aging dog, it was a reminder that its presence mattered.
As darkness enveloped the surroundings, the dog dozed off, feeling cocooned in adoration and appreciation. In its slumber, it relived the happenings of the day, the chuckles, and the delightful instants shared with loved ones. A grin broke across its muzzle, aware that it had lived through an extraordinary and memorable occasion – a birthday celebration that epitomized years of treasured moments.
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