At present, there are no laws to prevent or regulate commercial activities that may be harmful to the well-being of animals.

Wang, from Naja Veterinary Clinics, urged owners to learn about the biological and psychological needs of their animal companions and to place their welfare above selfish entertainment.

Another major issue is the frenzy for breeding pets, which has resulted in a sharp rise in the number of stray animals on the streets, according to Qin, of the Capital Animal Welfare Association.

"Irresponsible breeders create lives and sell them for profit as goods, despite the fact that so-called purebreds often have genetic defects and health risks as a result of inbreeding and insanitary conditions. It's unethical," she said.

According to Nick Jeffery, professor of veterinary clinical studies at the University of Cambridge in England, the breeding of purebred animals imposes similar genetic restrictions to those that occur in wild species that have been reduced to small breeding groups in the wake of natural or man-made disasters.

He quoted studies of the risks posed by selective breeding that are included in the foreword to the book Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats by Alex Gough and Alison Thomas, which lists known breed-related health risks.

Wang Hui, chief veterinarian of Naja Veterinary Clinics, said mixed-breed animals are usually healthier than those bred selectively.

"Based on 20 years of practice as a veterinarian, I find native or mixed-breed cats in general healthier, stronger and more sociable," he said.

"To my knowledge there are no regulations in the breeding sector so far, and health risks are almost inevitable in pedigree pets."

He, the legal studies researcher at CASS, said a legal framework is urgently needed to regulate pet-related industries and guide social conduct toward better treatment of pets and the end of cruelty to animals.