China debates ban of using dogs and cats for food

8 February 2010, 14:44

(Khabarovsk, February 8, Tatar-inform, Alexei Minin). A group of experts in China presented for consideration a draft law banning to use dogs and cats for food. Offenders are to be penalised with a 15-day imprisonment and a 5000-yuan fine ($732). The report was made by the Chongqing Evening News edition. The proposal has aroused heated debates in the local media and blogosphere.

Dog meat has for centuries been China’s traditional national dish, affordable for low-income people. The initiative was however supported by The China National Native Produce & Animal By-Products Import and Export national corporation, whose executives suppose the move is to considerably increase the sales of Chinese products abroad. Municipal councils in cities specialised in catering based on dog meat, however, think the project is going to greatly damage the local economy and bring down the quality of living, reports the Zverek portal.
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