Beggars outside a Buddhist temple fair in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, are being segregated behind enclosures that resemble cages to ensure their safety and stop them from annoying visitors, reported the Beijing News Wednesday.

"We're keeping them behind bars for fear they will be trampled by the large crowds as they lay on the ground. Many professional beggars, old and disabled, come to the event every year," an official surnamed Chen from the county government told the Beijing News.

Chen added the measure could also prevent visitors from being harassed or swindled.

The official's response came after photos showing about 100 beggars kneeling with bowls outside the bars were posted online.

Some netizens said the enclosures, which are also covered to protect them from the sun, are inhumane as they confine people like they are livestock.

Chen explained that authorities were only aiming to protect their safety after failing to persuade them to leave. "The beggars can come out to use bathrooms but we only allow them to beg in designated areas, which is behind these bars."

The temple has also set up a temporary relief shelter for the beggars, where they are provided with food and water, said a staff member from the temple.

"I believe segregating these beggars is out of good intention. But it's awkward, and at first sight can easily spark controversy," said Zhou Zheng, director of the Shanghai Homeless Shelter.

Zhou said special care is needed when trying to persuade them to leave.

"However, when begging becomes forceful, urban management officers and police can intervene to prevent people from being harassed," Zhou told the Global Times, adding that normally beggars are taken to a shelter before being sent back to their hometowns.

On Tuesday, the local civil affairs bureau helped subsidize the beggars' travel expenses home, said the news report.