The Chinese government has signaled an end to the human consumption of dogs, with the agriculture ministry today releasing a draft policy that would forbid canine meat.
Pet cosmeticians cater to dogs in a qualification test during the 18th Pet Fair Asia
Citing the “progress of human civilization” as well as growing public concern over animal welfare and prevention of disease transmission from animals to humans, China’s Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs singled out canines as forbidden in a draft “white list” of animals allowed to be raised for meat.
The city of Shenzhen recently approved the first ever mainland China ban on consumption of dog and cat meat, a move that has given hope to animal welfare groups worldwide that other parts of the country could soon follow suit. The new draft policy has provided even more.
HSI estimates that between 10 and 20 million dogs are killed in China for their meat annually, while Animals Asia puts the figure for cats at around 4 million per year.
The updated agriculture ministry list includes the addition of several wildlife species allowed to be farmed under animal husbandry laws if the policy is not altered following a public comment period that runs through May 8.
Wildlife such as deer, game birds, along with mink, two kinds of foxes, and other animals were included on a list of animals expected to be approved as farm-raised species once China’s central government lifts a ban on the wildlife trade.
The Chinese government has signaled an end to the human consumption of dogs, with the agriculture ministry today releasing a draft policy that would forbid canine meat.
Pet cosmeticians cater to dogs in a qualification test during the 18th Pet Fair Asia
HSI estimates that between 10 and 20 million dogs are killed in China for their meat annually, while Animals Asia puts the figure for cats at around 4 million per year.
