Walk down any street in Beijing, and within minutes you are likely to cross paths with several proud dogs and their owners. Just like in any other city, Beijing’s pet community can enjoy a happy life of pampering, being fed and watered, and taken for walks. Their standard of living (and life expectancy) is only likely to increase, now that legislation is in draft mode to ban the consumption of dog and cat meat in China.
China legislative process has begun the procedure of drafting laws which will punish those who both consume and sell such meats. According to the draft law, a fine of up to 5000 RMB, and 15 day detention shall be imposed upon those guilty of dog and/or cat meat consumption. Those found guilty of selling the meat, shall face heftier fines of between 10,000 RMB and 500,000 RMB.
Dog and cat consumption in China is viewed as a part of the traditional culture, dating back thousands of years. It is believed the consumption of such meat will promote body warmth and heat during the winter months.
The proposed law, renamed Anti-cruelty to Animals (“the Act”), is sparking fierce debate between those for and against such a ban on dog and cat’s meat consumption. In support the Act, the Chinese Animal Protection Network (“CCAPN”) established in January 2006, has been active in the promotion of a prohibition on the consumption of such meats. The Act does not focus solely on this issue. It shall strive to protect six categories of animals; those on farms, in laboratories, pets, working animals, animals for entertainment purposes and wild animals.