Beijing and neighboring Hebei Province are establishing more shelters for the increasing number of stray and illegal dogs, according to Beijing's public security bureau.

Illegal dogs are either unregistered, or contravene the city's "one dog policy." Official statistics show over 550,000 registered dogs in the city, but Beijing Association of Small Animal Protection estimates there are a further 450,000 unregistered dogs, tallying the total at close to 1 million.

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

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

The center also has a hospital and an eating zone, while professional pet attendants and training experts ensure the dogs are well cared for.

"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 center also serves as a base for adoption.

Qualified citizens can call the center's hotline (6973860) for dog adoptions, which take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.

In Zhuozhou of Hebei, the local government yesterday allocated 1 million yuan (US$127,044) 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 added local vets would provide professional caring techniques and a local army-dog training base would contribute to scientific and rational management of the stations.

(China Daily November 16, 2006)