As the midle-class develops in China and owning a pet dog becomes more popular, officials in Shanghai are considering a one-dog policy. I had to confirm the date in my mind as I thought it might be April 1st, but this seems a genuine story. Expect to see the growth of new business opportunities for "poodle parlours" and lots of merchandise for the pampered pooch.

One positive thing is that dogs may be off the menu or part of the food chain. In the BBC DVD Wild China, a Chinese guy states that "We will eat anything with legs, except a table, and anything that flies, except a plane."

What next, a 'one-mistress policy' for the rich and powerful?