Su Ziying (L), a lawyer for pet dogs, offers consultation to a dog owner in Haikou, Hainan Province on August 26, 2008. [Photo: Xinhuanet.com]

Ever feel frustrated when neighbors accuse your dog of being too intimidating? Don't know what to do? Maybe a lawyer can help your dog explain.

The Hainan Small Animal Protection Association, based in Hainan's provincial capital Haikou, has hired a lawyer to offer free consultation for the city's dog owners, Haikou Evening News reports.

Su Ziying, who embarked on the job Tuesday as China's first lawyer for pet dogs, will provide face-to-face consultation or work via two hotlines, 6863 1655 and 6863 1955.

Su says his major work is likely be helping mediate between Haikou's 50,000 or more dog owners and those bit or scared by the canines.

In a 2004 case which Su used as an example, an elder resident was scared by a large-size pet dog and fell off the ground, sustaining broken bones. His family brought the dog owner to court but opinions disputed so much there is no verdict even now.

Su says such a conundrum might be avoided following a new city-wide regulation on dog ownership.

The regulation, due in force since September 1, lists requirements on dog registration, quarantine, and fines for pet owners who violate the law.

Su suggests dog owners and the other side pay consulting visit as soon as a dispute arises to minimize unnecessary troubles.

(CRI August 29, 2008)