PET-RELATED offenses will face stricter punishment when a new national law, designed to improve public safety following an increase in animal attacks, takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

The revised Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security includes new provisions targeting individuals who breed or sell aggressive animals in violation of existing laws, as well as those who fail to prevent their animals from injuring others.

The revisions also target offenses like disturbing others through animal ownership and using animals to intentionally harm others.

For example, under the updated law, people failing to use a leash while walking a dog, not displaying a dog license, or allowing pets to intimidate others may face warnings or fines of up to 200 yuan (US$28).

Serious violations could lead to 5-10 days of detention and additional fines of up to 500 yuan.

The penalties are even harsher for illegally keeping aggressive or large breeds and bringing prohibited dogs into public spaces, with detention of up to 10 days, fines up to 1,000 yuan, and confiscation of the animal.

The impending law is already changing behavior. In Longhua District, a resident surnamed Liu now uses a leash no longer than 1.5 meters while walking her dog. “I used to think leashes were troublesome in quiet areas, but now I understand it’s about responsibility — to others and to my dog,” she told the Daily Sunshine.

Owners like Minmin, a young woman who has two poodles, are also proactively adapting. “I bought a smart leash that reminds me about the length limit. Complying isn’t a burden; it gives me peace of mind,” she shared.

Yu Xinyi, president of the Shenzhen Pet Medical Association, emphasized that the new national law has transformed responsible pet-keeping from a moral expectation into a legal obligation.

“It isn’t about restricting pet owners; it’s about safeguarding public safety and protecting the rights of responsible owners. Clear rules can reduce conflicts and create a more pet-friendly social environment,” he noted.

According to Yu, many clauses in the national law, such as the list of prohibited breeds and leash length standards, were drawn from Shenzhen’s experience.

Shenzhen, a pioneer in urban pet management, has already seen significant results from its rigorous local regulations. The city now fines owners 5,000 yuan for keeping banned aggressive breeds and confiscates the dogs. Not restraining or penning dogs properly can lead to fines as high as 10,000 yuan, while taking a fierce dog outside without a muzzle and leash incurs penalties ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 yuan.

“Clear rules and strict enforcement have proven effective,” said Yu. Dog attack incidents in Shenzhen dropped by 67% this year, and nuisance complaints decreased by 58% compared to the previous year, according to Yu.

China has seen an increase in its urban pet population in recent years, fueling a booming pet economy but also raising concerns over public safety. As of 2024, the number of pet cats and dogs in the country’s urban areas had surpassed 120 million, according to official estimates.

Until now, most animal-related injuries were handled under China’s civil code and local regulations, which typically require owners to pay victims’ medical expenses but carry few other consequences.

(Tang Li)