The Beijing Kennel Club announced on Tuesday it will provide free spay and neutering for pet dogs to help the government control the city's increasing dog population.

The club, located in Changping District in the city's northern suburb, will provide free operations for the dogs until June, said Zheng Bo'ang, chairman of the association.

Beijing implemented a "one dog, one family" policy last year as the number of urban pet dogs continues to rise.

Zheng said by the end of last year the number of registered dogs in the city exceeded 600,000 but the actual number of pet canines in the national capital is likely closer to a million.

"Dogs bring happiness and laughter to pet owners, but also troubles to city managers and complaints from residents," said Zheng.

Spaying and neutering pet dogs is encouraged by by-laws in many countries, said Zheng, adding that studies show the operation helps dogs to live longer and healthier lives.

Grace Ge Gabriel, Beijing representative of the International Fund Animal Welfare based in the United States, says the operations will help reduce the number of unwanted pet dogs.

"Many pets are abandoned or maltreated and vagrant dogs can be a source of injury and disease," said Gabriel.

Not all Beijing pet owners are in favor of having their dogs 'fixed'.

"My dog is like my family member. Would you do this to your family member, even though it may be good for them?" asked a young woman surnamed Yuan, while walking her dog Youyou.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2007)