Forum Topic

Great news for cats and dogs in China, and wild animals!

I received this email today from HSI (Humane Society International). It's hopefully a start to the beginning of the end to this horrendous practice. Hopefully more cities in China will follow suit.Dear Gillian,We asked for you to show your support for Shenzhen, China on the proposed ban of dog and cat consumption—thank you for acting when animals needed you most.Shenzhen is now the first city in mainland China to ban the consumption of dogs and cats. The ban also includes a permanent prohibition on the consumption, breeding and sale of wild animals for human consumption.Starting May 1st, the sale of cats and dogs for human consumption will now be banned in restaurants and stores throughout Shenzhen, and the sale of live cats and dogs for consumption will be banned in markets.The ban on dog and cat meat is the first of its kind enacted in mainland China, and aside from the number of lives it will be saving, its true significance is that Shenzhen is an economic powerhouse and China's fifth-largest city, and we hope this example will inspire others to follow suit. Shenzhen is also the first city in the world to take the lessons learned from the current pandemic seriously and apply it to its wildlife trade.

Jill Merrett ● 2398d13 Comments

Just brilliant news! Let's hope this is just the start.

Vanessa Smith ● 2398d

Pleased to hear that, but as I gather it was either bats or pangolins in one of their wet markets that may have been the source of Covid-19, it is only a small step in the right direction.

Richard Greenhough ● 2398d

Yes, Richard, that would seem to be the source. But at least pangolins and bats will no longer be sold in wet markets in Shenzhen.As the ancient Chinese proverb states: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step". And this is certainly a big step in the right direction.

Jill Merrett ● 2398d

Yes, lots on Facebook about this.  But will they actually do it or is just a sop to the rest of the world who is furious about their lies about the origin of the virus and disbelief about the figures coming out of China?  Remember, they said they were going to stop the horrific Yulin dog killing and eating festival that happens each year.  Much rejoicing.  They didn't.  It is still going on.  Wet markets are continuing in China and the rest of Asia, and also in other places that people seem not to be aware of, like New York.

Claire Moran ● 2398d

I don't do Facebook, so haven't been able to read all about this on there, which is probably a good thing.  But your comments have certainly burst my happy bubble and taken the smile off my face. I feel somewhat dejected now.

Jill Merrett ● 2398d

Would hope this is th beginning of change, no one wants to eat a meal that could end up killing you.

Janice Evans ● 2398d

I have previously put this on another thread but here it is again.Animal Equality has a great deal to say about the wet markets which are called wet because of the blood running across the ground which creates the perfect conditions for viruses. They have taken videos for us to see but be warned, they aren’t for the faint hearted.animalequality.org.uk THE DANGERS AND CRUELTY OF WET MARKETSSign the petition for the UN to ban these globally.The UN are now doing that.

Rima Jones ● 2398d

Sorry Jill, but to really help animals and us, facing the facts is important.

Claire Moran ● 2398d

I don't know who first said that the truth was the first casualty of war,but think we may be able to apply this saying to the pandemic we are now suffering with.The Chinese authorities do not have the best record when it comes to openness and scrutiny.

Keith Iddon ● 2398d

This could be pages long but don't believe everything you read in the press and online so don't believe anything coming out of China as they are the same Source of information. With covid-19,we know about hospital being built in days and then we know very little and our responce is now very common. We dont know but we dont believe either. Why Shenzen then? Il will copy and paste someone else's comments and then after reading , think this. Does it scream out as a place full of markets selling dogs and all other creatures or a place where dog is common on restaurant menus? But its now reported that it was banning the trade and consumption of wild animals in Shenzen."Shenzhen looks upon as the city of future. A city never goes to sleep. It is the choice selection for city lifestyle dwellers. Long been reputed as a meeting place of East and West where this city never seems to run out of great entertainment and cultural pursuit. A progressive city offers quality lifestyle, outstanding shopping experience, delicious international food and inspiring worldwide music and arts. To the business world, its natural setting serves as a promised land for entrepreneurs and an ideal location for ones dreams and ambitions materialized. Furthermore, it is a place undergoing great transformation and a frontier city in keeping pace with China policy on globalization""One of the primary reasons for both Chinese and Westerners taking such a liking to Shenzhen could very well owe to the fact that almost everyone in the city is a foreigner" "Shenzhen is pretty much the tourist gateway to the rest of China"

Julian Pavey ● 2398d

Does it scream out as a place full of markets selling dogs and all other creatures or a place where dog is common on restaurant menus? Yes, if you have followed animal sites for years.

Claire Moran ● 2398d

Absolutely pertinent to this thread is the following article that appeared in today's Observer. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/11/surely-the-link-between-abusing-animals-and-the-worlds-health-is-now-clear

Alastair Banton ● 2398d

Dear Gillian,Just now, we could all use some hope and good news. We’re thrilled to share news of some monumental victories for animals that have occurred thanks to your support in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.For the first time, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has stated that dogs are companions and should not be included as livestock. Coming so soon after Shenzhen, the first city in mainland China to ban the consumption of dogs and cats, we are hopeful that this signals an imminent shift in China’s policies concerning the dog and cat meat trade.Even more recently, the second city in mainland China, Zhuhai, reaffirmed the companion animal status for dogs and cats when it outlawed wildlife consumption. None of this would be possible without donors like you!Finally, our partner group, Vshine, helped rescue over 400 dogs, including stolen pets, in Henan, China. The dogs in need of urgent veterinary attention were immediately transferred to our partner shelter, where they’re receiving the care they need. With you by our side, we’ve been at the forefront of ending the dog and cat meat trade across Asia for many years, and together, we’re truly making progress!We will continue all our work to end this cruelty and protect all the world’s animals, even during this challenging time. I hope that these victories make you smile. Thank you so much for your unwavering support!

Jill Merrett ● 2388d