China may ban eating dogs, cats

[PedroRomero]

The Chinese government is considering legislation that would make eating cats and dogs illegal.

Professor Chang Jiwen of the Chinese Academy of the Social Sciences is one of the law's top campaigners. "Cats and dogs are loyal friends to humans," he said. "A ban on eating them would show China has reached a new level of civilization."

Eating dog meat is a long-standing culinary tradition not just in China, but also Korea. Cat meat can be found on the menu in China, Vietnam and even parts of South America.

The Chinese government has signaled a willingness to take the meat off the market. To avoid upsetting international visitors during the Beijing Olympics, officials ordered dog meat off the menus at local markets. Officials in Guangzhou have warned vendors to stop selling it ahead of the Asian Games which will be held there later this year.

The ban on eating dog and cat meat is part of a larger proposal to toughen laws on animal welfare. Individual violators could face up to 15 days in prison and a small fine. Businesses found guilty of selling the meat risk fines up to 500,000 yuan ($73,500.)

The legislation is gaining support from China's growing number of pet owners. With living standards rising and disposable income growing, more Guangzhou residents are investing in house pets.

"I would never eat dog meat," said Louisa Yong, as she clutches her pet cocker spaniel. "It's so cruel!"

Meat vendors have a different view.

"The dogs you raise at home, you shouldn't eat," said Pan, a butcher who also declined to give his first name. "The kind raised for eating, we can eat those."

Many of the dogs and cats sold for meat are specially raised on farms. But Chang said there is always a chance they're someone's lost or stolen pet.

In anticipation of the new ban, dog and cat meat has become more difficult to find, though some vendors say they will keep selling it as long as they can.

"The legislation will definitely affect our restaurant," said Li. "We'll just wait to see the result."

i don't think it' cruel to eat dogs or cats. as the vendor said those animals are bred for eating much like livestock. and also people raise other animals at home too and eat them like goat and pig. also i don't think it's a mark of how "civilized" a place is if they do or don't eat dog-cat. no animal anyone eats make them less of a human or uncivilized. some people think it's disgusting to eat insects and some think it's disgusting to eat dog. we eat what we have available. that is that

more available here: Inside the cat and dog meat market in China - CNN.com

what do you think?

[Point]

First thought that came to mind was that they're trying to impress the westerners.

[CursedScar]

What people don't understand is that the animals that are fed to people are specifically bred for being eating. People can have pet animals that are normally found on farms and used to feed people (Pigs, Chickens, Cows). If we said that Pets can't be eaten, we'd all be vegetarians then. It's not like they take random dogs and feed them to people. Personally I think this is bad. It ruins some of the culture of China.

[Aimee]

Personally, I don't think I could ever bring myself to eating it, but I could also very easily be a vegetarian, so maybe if I was a huge meat fan my opinion would be different.
And yeah, I agree with the above, its to please people that are visitors to those countries, people that aren't used to the traditions and culture. I don't think banning it for that is a good enough reason, but then it's up to them in the end, as its much like farming any other animal for meat, only western countries don't do it.
The fact that they could be a lost or stolen house pet is sad )-:

[Bolter]

Why did they suddenly decide to stop all this now when they have been doing it all along? I just don't get it....

[Torikakae]

I don't eat meat anyway so personally, I welcome the change~

*Ignore what my avi shows*

[Red]

Originally Posted by Point

First thought that came to mind was that they're trying to impress the westerners.

That's what I also noticed. But Western influence invaded all communist nations (& everything else). I wonder how the locals will 'react' (that needs quotations because well...reaction isn't really an option there right?)

This is interesting, I am learning about Chinese communism and identities in my Political Science class. =)

[Akurei]

Born and raised in the U.S., I can't look at this the same way people in China do.

[SOC]

I hope they have a replacement!