Regulating Urban Companion Dogs in China During Covid-19: When Pandemic Meets Panic

ABSTRACT: As society develops and public concern for animal protection grows, the perception and value of dogs is changing in China. In recent years, an increasing number of citizens have kept dogs for companionship and emotional support and have become concerned with the well-being of dogs. Despite changes in the perception of the place of dogs in Chinese society, the legal status of dogs has remained unchanged. Without the proper legal protection, dogs in China run numerous risks. In particular, as the novel coronavirus outbreak spread globally with devastating effects on human health, countless animals have become victims of “pandemic panic.” The Covid-19 pandemic affected animal ethics and the human-animal relationship, which underwent significant changes. By tracking the evolution of policies on companion animal management, this study explores the current living conditions of companion animals in China, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as social attitudes towards urban animal companions. KEYWORDS: urban companion dogs, zoonotic diseases, Covid-19, pandemic, dog ban policies, dog control, China.