News on Animal Protection in China:
- The number of animal abuse cases has surged to a new high this year. Merely based on information available to the public, there were over 100 animal abuse cases from April to October. 45 of those aroused great public concern. Some involved production and sales of animal abuse videos for profits. This unlawful industry chain has resulted in the deaths of thousands of dogs and cats and has corrupted the mind of young people.
- On 11 September 2020, an official of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs replied to a member of the National People’s Congress, “Most animal abuse behaviors are correctable using existing laws. The Ministry of Public Security and other ministries are cracking down on relevant illegal and criminal acts. Animal abuse is sporadic, and the majority of people live harmoniously with animals. Enacting a law against such infrequent immoral behaviors is unnecessary. The issue can be solved by perfecting current laws.”
The government’s stance back in 2019 was drastically different. The officials admitted animal abuse has drawn public concern and lacked corresponding legislation to punish the abusers. A new law was necessary.
- On 21 November 2020, the Institute of Animal Law of Jiangxi University of Science and Technology and the AITA Foundation for Animal Protection Beijing jointly organized a seminar on “Obstacles and Routes of Legislation against Animal Abuse”. Attendees included representatives of the National People’s Congress, law professors, and animal activists. Professor Qian Yefang analyzed the legislative obstacles and routes of legislation against animal abuse.
Editor’s note: The situation of animal cruelty in China is worsening as the government’s stance remains ambiguous. Non-governmental animal protection organizations hope to draw the government’s attention to the issue through law seminars that lay the legal foundation, combined with promotion through the media.
WDA Regional Director of Mainland China
Sky Liu
November 30, 2020