WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

A disturbing new video from PETA shows that unsanitary and inhumane live animal markets are still open throughout Asia, selling dogs, monkeys, snakes, civets, bats and other animals, despite connections to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The shocking footage shows animals, who have been linked to the spread of zoonotic diseases, suffering at cruel “wet” markets in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

These innocent creatures are confined in tiny, filthy cages caked in feces and rotten food with no room to freely move around: monkeys struggle to survive in a single cramped cage, forced to live on top of each other; a distraught civet cat turns around in endless circles; a rabbit convulses violently and dies in front of the investigator.

In other scenes, cooked dog parts are piled high on a table, as workers wearing flip-flops walk on floors drenched with blood and guts, dividing up carcasses with their bare hands.

“The next deadly pandemic is inevitable as long as markets filled with sick and stressed animals are still open,” said PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is calling on government officials to shut down these Petri dishes for pandemics.”

These horrific, hazardous live animal markets must end for the sake of both animal welfare and human health. For those who have already added their voice to save thousands of innocent animals, thank you. To those who haven’t yet, sign Lady Freethinker’s petition urging the World Health Organization to push for a global ban on live animal markets.

SIGN: End Horrific Live Animal Markets Worldwide