Recent news on Animal Protection in China:
- October 11, 2020 – The Animal Law Research Center of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University held an online seminar on “Government Responsibilities for Animal Rescue Shelters and Planning for Government-Public Cooperation”. Animal shelter volunteers began the seminar by introducing the difficulties of voluntary animal rescue; they asked law experts to define the legal status of animal rescue organizations and explore how the government and the public could cooperate. The seminar was addressed by Professor Qian Yefang, Director of the Animal Law Research Center of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University.
Editor’s note: Professor Qian Yefang’s team has held multiple online seminars in recent months, covering topics including the interpretation of the Animal Epidemic Prevention Law, the prohibition of animal cruelty, and the regulations on wild dog hunting. The seminar was widely covered by mainstream media, independent media and Chinese politicians, who hopefully would consider the legislative suggestions proposed in the seminar.
- October 14, 2020 – “2020 Animal Welfare Science Conference (China)” was held in Shanghai by China Animal Healthcare and Food Safety Alliance (CAFA). Over 30 international experts shared their insights in a roundtable discussion on popular topics such as the trend and policies of global animal welfare and farm animal welfare.
Editor’s note: It is reported that bills related to animal protection are reviewed by the CAFA every year. However, the CAFA is more concerned with farm animal welfare from a human-oriented perspective; their interest in animal welfare stems from the intention to improve animal husbandry efficiency. When compared with international animal welfare policies and theories, China still has a lot to catch up on.
WDA Regional Director of Mainland China
Sky Liu
November 3, 2020