This good news here is probably one of the most positive things that have come out of the pandemic. It is so monumental, it probably is the best news of the year! Or even of the decade! In an unprecedented move, China is now set to criminalize and ban the trade and consumption of dog meat! Wow! What a welcome progress!
This comes after a solid reflection of Chinese lawmakers that banning dog meat consumption will greatly benefit the prevention of disease transmission in their country. China is just recovering from the tragic effects of COVID-19 and its lawmakers are determined to create policies that will help the country in preventing a pandemic.
China is known as a country that openly allows the slaughter of dogs for human consumption. It even has a Yulin Festival that lasts for ten days where festival-goers get to eat lychees and dog meat. Chinese people believe that dog meat has medicinal properties. Dog meat is also said to provide robust body heat during winter.
In a historic move, China’s Department of Agriculture just released a draft policy that totally bans the consumption of dog meat. In the policy, the Chinese Department of Agriculture categorically defined dogs as pets and not as livestock. In the draft, dogs were officially designated as ‘special companion animals’.
In the draft, the ministry cited the following reasons as to why the ban is necessary: progress of human civilization, animal welfare, and prevention of diseases. This is the first time ever that the Chinese government has had something to say about the consumption of dog meat.
The Chinese government has ignored the protest of numerous organizations and institutions against dog meat trade for years. It is sad that a pandemic had to happen for their government to take notice and execute solid policies. But it’s a good thing though that changes are about to take place.
Indeed, we’re all in this together! To more positive behavioral changes!