The Shanghai Customs has officially introduced a new quarantine system specifically for outbound pets, offering more convenient services for residents who need to send their animals out of the country.
The system, which allows both online applications and offline quarantine services, enables pet owners to make appointments without leaving their homes.
The move is part of the Shanghai Customs' efforts to streamline processes as the demand for traveling with pets continues to rise.
In the first quarter of the year, the Shanghai Customs issued 1,104 certificates for pets passing the quarantine check, a 38.9-percent increase compared to the same period of last year.
The Shanghai Customs has also upgraded its WeChat mini-program for export pet quarantine services, adding features such as online appointment scheduling and result-checking services, bringing more convenience to pet owners.
Shanghai, one of China's most cosmopolitan cities and the country's bustling gateway, has seen an increasing number of residents traveling internationally, with many of whom wishing to take their pets along. The new quarantine system aims to address the needs of these pet owners while ensuring the safety and health of animals as they cross borders.
Shanghai Customs launches new quarantine system for outbound pets
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.
"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.
Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.
Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.
"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.
Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.
Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.
"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.
Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela
