(ECNS) - Orders have been given to kill dogs that are unvaccinated or unchained as authorities in a Sichuan town try to curb a potential rabies threat.
According to an official statement, local dogs have to be both chained and vaccinated to remain unharmed.
Therefore, not only stray dogs, but also dogs that are not properly managed could be influenced by this operation, despite disagreement from owners in Qingjiang township, Bazhong city, Sichuan province in southwest China.
The community and the town authorities are responsible for the fees, according to a local official with the township government.
In two communities in Qingjiang, 32 stray dogs have already been terminated while 58 others have been vaccinated.
Qingjiang carries out dog-terminating operations like this every year out of public safety considerations, the offical said. The operation of this year, starting in July, has been carried out in two communities in the town and will further expand into other villages.
The operation is being jointly managed by multiple government departments, including the police, industrial and commercial workers, and health officials.
The campaign has sparked controversy online. Pro-dog activists criticize it as "oversimplified and cruel" because "dogs have lives too". However, others believe Qingjiang citizens have the right to protect themselves from the health risks posed by rabies.
