Beijing may ban pets from public transportation

A new bill seeks to ban animals from public transportation in Beijing as a preemptive measure against the possible spread of disease.

The bill, posted on the website of the city's Legal Affairs Office on Tuesday, is soliciting public opinions, Beijing News reported.

The ban on poultry from public transportation was highlighted due to the H7N9 avian flu scare, while the same policy on guide dogs for blind people can spark controversy and need public feedback.

The bill also requires rabies-vaccinated animals to wear a special tag that mark them from those that are not. Vaccinations can only be done at licensed clinics.

The bill also regulates the treatment of dead animals.

Frequent inspections should be done on livestock farms in case of possible infection. Segregation and even mass cullings can be applied if necessary, the bill said.