Police shut illegal dog racetrack in NW China

Two dogs run during a dog race held at an illegal racetrack in Fancao village, Hezhai town, Xi'an city, the capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, July 30, 2011. Dogs are baited to run the 500-meter-long, oval-shaped racetrack by a rabbit carcass, which is dragged ahead of them by an electric runner attached to the track's fence. The racetrack was built on farmland that is only 50 meters from the village's primary school, and some parents worry it will distract their children from their studies. Spectators are coming from other provinces to watch the dog races that have been taking place regularly on Tuesdays and Saturdays since June, and bet on the results. It is estimated that the racetrack owner can earn more than 10,000 yuan ($1,552) per racing day. However, the track was closed by local police after a reporter broke the story as it is illegal for individuals to hold such bet-oriented racing on the Chinese mainland.[Photo/CFP]

A dog runs during a dog race held at an illegal racetrack in Fancao village, Hezhai town, Xi'an city, capital of Northwest of Shaanxi province, July 30, 2011.[Photo/CFP]