Is law cruel to dogs?

gzlaser

A CONTROVERSIAL local law in Guangdong Province states that residents have the right to kill any unlicensed, off-the-leash, or unvaccinated dog. Dog owners have no right to stop the killing.

Provincial officials say they are reviewing this regulation and may change it. But an opinion poll in the province showed that more than 40 percent of the 2,800 people surveyed are in favor of this law. They argue that it shouldn't be amended. This surprising statistic, as well as the increasing threat of rabies across China in recent years, have led to fierce debate.

Many oppose the regulation on humanitarian grounds, or criticize it for ignoring animal rights. It is also seen as a gross violation of the right to private property.

Supporters of the regulation mostly cite the health hazard posed by stray or rabid dogs. They complain about insufficient government enforcement of animal control regulations. If people are forced to take the matter into their own hands, there should be a law giving them the right to do so, they say.

So what's your opinion? Do you think the regulation should be amended?