Managing an increasing number of stray cats and dogs in communities should be a joint effort by residential complexes, neighborhood committees andsubdistricts, according to a proposal by political adviser Zhu Naimei.

Zhusaid the animals posed risks to residents with more reports of people being attacked, and the possibility of spreading rabies.Stray animals are often in poor health and behave more aggressively due to a lack of care and food.

She said there were various factors contributing to the increase in the stray animal population. Some animal lovers were feeding them, causing more animals to gather and encouraging mass reproduction.

Since there were no related regulations on the management of stray animals, no specific measures had been taken by communities’ property management companies and neighborhood committees.

There were also no formal animal shelters set up by local government or professional groups. Most shelters have been opened by non-government organizations.

Zhusaid communities should collect ideas from residents on managing strays. Casual feeding should be prevented and, instead, animal lovers are encouraged to participate in the treatment of these animals.