Canton China: "Pick Your Favorite Furchild...."

Mrs. Chen can't imagine abandoning one of her two best friends: her scruffy terrier mutt and a white fluffy Pekingese mix with buggy eyes.

But that is what she will have to do in less than one month when a "one dog" policy takes effect in Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton.

Beginning July 1, 2009, each household can raise only one pooch. The regulation won't be grandfathered in, so families with two or more dogs will have to decide which one gets to stay. "It's a cruel regulation. These dogs are like family. How can you keep one and get rid of the others?" said Chen, who declined to give her full name because she feared the police would track her down and seize the dogs.

There is potential for the regulation to trigger a public backlash. Police and city government officials appear to be aware of the issue's sensitivity. Canton government officials have refused to discuss the new policy with foreign press.

The "one dog" regulation appears to be part of an effort to control stray dogs. Many Chinese pet owners don't spay or neuter and the offspring often end up on the street.

Guangzhou is also host of the 2010 Asian Games. In preparation, crews have been scrubbing down this city of 12 million people. Reducing the dog population will likely mean cleaner sidewalks.

Many other Chinese cities, including Beijing, have long had "one dog" policies.

Source: ap