In a tremendous stride toward protecting animals and human health, China’s Ministry of Agriculture has officially proposed guidelines to reclassify dogs as pets, rather than livestock.
“As far as dogs are concerned, along with the progress of human civilization and the public concern and love for animal protection, dogs have been ‘specialized’ to become companion animals, and internationally are not considered to be livestock, and they will not be regulated as livestock in China,” the Ministry of Agriculture said in a notice.
The landmark decision comes amid the global coronavirus outbreak, which stemmed from the transmission of the COVID-19 virus from animals to humans at a wildlife market in Wuhan. These markets also often sell live dogs and cats to be killed and butchered on-site.
The upgraded status of dogs reflects changing views about dog and cat consumption in China, where dog meat is considered a delicacy in many regions but is becoming less common.
While the new designation does not explicitly ban the dog meat trade, it may pave the way for future legislation by serving as a basis for more protective laws. It’s also the latest in a series of promising moves taken throughout China to protect public health and animal welfare, including a ban on wildlife consumption.
China is taking a step in the right direction by recognizing dogs as pets, but more must be done to end the cruel dog and cat meat trade throughout the country, where more than 10 million canines and 4 million cats are slaughtered and consumed annually. Shenzhen recently became the first Chinese city to ban dog and cat meat, and now we must urge the national government to follow suit.
Join the fight against dog and cat meat by signing Lady Freethinker’s ongoing petition calling on Cui Tiankai, the Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., to push for a nationwide ban on this barbaric trade.
Sign the Petition: Stop China’s Horrific Dog and Cat Meat Trade
What’s New…
Yes, cruelty needs to STOP!
they should upgrade them selfs to become human
I’m sorry to say this but I will NOT wait with bated breath for this to happen in CHINA…..I do NOT believe a single word that is uttered by the most vile, depraved, psychotic masses on this planet. They are just telling the rest of the world but nothing will change behind closed doors. They will still abuse, torment, torture and kill dogs (and cats, in fact ANY species that walk, swim, fly or crawl) just to satisfy their perverted taste for animal sadism, brutality and depravity. I’ve been signing petitions for years against this heinous atrocity and nothing has happened yet….so I’ll just carry on waiting, but now, at least CHINA knows that the rest of the world is waiting as well.
Irene, Would you mind if I shared, (with credit to you) your statement on my FB wall? Was just about to post almost the same comment, but feel you have said it best, If not I understand. Will stumble along with my pure abhorrence to what China is & this feeble attempt of redemption to all the thousands of animals whom have suffered beyond comprehension by this historically hideous regime.
Thank you for your comment & great passion.
Irene — Do NOT give up — do NOT give in — there are many in Asia who feel the way you do and are fighting for change — we MUST continue to fight FOR the Animals — until all cruel, depraved, torturous ANIMAL “establishments” are SHUT DOWN – FOREVER.