I was shocked by the recent mass cull of dogs in Yunnan province ('Dogs to be culled in rabies scare, August 5).
High-volume killing campaigns such as the recent cull of 50,000 dogs cannot be valid measures to stop the spread of dangerous diseases. This is not the conduct of a civilised and enlightened nation.
Innovative new solutions to the problems of rabies and stray-dog control, such as cost-effective 'trap, neuter, release' and animal birth-control programmes are being adopted throughout the world, with statistically proven results - shelter intakes are down, 'nuisance' animals greatly reduced and, most importantly, the incidences of rabies have dropped dramatically.
Pet ownership is growing in China and the government must consider that times are changing - for the better - and adapt its actions.
There is simply no excuse for these brutal measures against dogs.
I implore the authorities to immediately end the policy of mass culls and instead seek the support of animal welfare organisations to help with issues such as this.
DIANA HARTIG, Oberstenfeld, Germany
