Concerns over water contamination have prompted Shenzhen officials to plan the demolition of two dog shelters, causing animal protection organizations to call for legislation on the care of street dogs.

The shelters, which house more than 300 dogs, are less than 100 meters from the Xili water reservoir, a major drinking water supply for more than 5 million people in two urban districts in the city in Guangdong province.

Lei Bo from Nanshan district environmental agency said animal waste from the shelter runs off into the reservoir, polluting the water.