Police in Guangzhou have denied allegations they are mistreating dogs in a crackdown on dangerous dogs or pets without permits, the Guangzhou Daily reported on Monday.

Yin Haitao, a senior officer of Guangzhou police in Guangdong province, refuted online allegations that former pets removed from homes are being poorly looked after. He said police only seized dogs with no permits, dangerous animals or from households with more than one. He added that the police will not tolerate animal abuse and the dogs have been taken to kennels to await adoption.

Yin said people can call 110 to inform the police if they believe animals have been mistreated, the paper reported.