Chinese legal experts call for ban on eating cats and dogsWidespread and ancient practice of eating dog meat increasingly distasteful for China's growing affluent, pet-loving middle
Jonathan Watts, Asia environment correspondent guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 26 January 2010 13.29 GMT Article history
Chinese legal experts are proposing a ban on eating dogs and cats in a contentious move to end a culinary tradition dating back thousands of years.
The recommendation will be submitted to higher authorities in April as part of a draft bill to tackle animal abuse.
In ancient times, dog meat was considered a medicinal tonic. Today, it is commonly available throughout the country, but particularly in the north where dog stew is popular for its supposed warming qualities.
In recent years, however, such traditions are increasingly criticised by an affluent, pet-loving, urban middle class. Online petitions against dog and cat consumption have attracted tens of thousands of signatures. Videos showing the maltreatment of farmed dogs have spurred protests at markets where the animals are bought and sold
Chinese legal experts call for ban on eating cats and dogs | World news | guardian.co.uk
Jonathan Watts, Asia environment correspondent guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 26 January 2010 13.29 GMT Article history
Chinese legal experts are proposing a ban on eating dogs and cats in a contentious move to end a culinary tradition dating back thousands of years.
The recommendation will be submitted to higher authorities in April as part of a draft bill to tackle animal abuse.
In ancient times, dog meat was considered a medicinal tonic. Today, it is commonly available throughout the country, but particularly in the north where dog stew is popular for its supposed warming qualities.
In recent years, however, such traditions are increasingly criticised by an affluent, pet-loving, urban middle class. Online petitions against dog and cat consumption have attracted tens of thousands of signatures. Videos showing the maltreatment of farmed dogs have spurred protests at markets where the animals are bought and sold
Chinese legal experts call for ban on eating cats and dogs | World news | guardian.co.uk
