Some experts believe that novel coronavirus originated in a wet market in China. Dog meat intended for human consumption is sold in such markets. In light of the pandemic, China’s Ministry of Agriculture has taken a big step toward ending the dog meat trade. Instead of being classified as livestock, dogs are being reclassified as “specialized” to become companion animals, not dinner.
Dogs Are Not Livestock, They Are Pets
According to the New York Post, livestock animals are bred for the purpose of food, milk, medicine or military activity. In China, dogs have long been classified as livestock and are considered a delicacy in many parts of China. That meant some dogs were raised solely for this purpose on farms. Those dogs were then slaughtered and brought to market for sale to the general public. China’s now well known wet markets were one such venue for the dog meat trade.
The decision to reclassify dogs as companion animals is a huge step towards ending this meat trade. China has taken another step in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic by banning the breeding, trading, and consumption of wildlife. These animals were often also sold through the wet markets. China has promised to make the wildlife ban permanent.
“As far as dogs are concerned, along with the progress of human civilization and the public concern and love for animal protection, dogs have been ‘specialized’ to become companion animals, and internationally are not considered to be livestock, and they will not be regulated as livestock in China,” the Ministry of Agriculture said in a notice.
Animal Welfare Activists Applaud the Decision
The Humane Society has called this move a “game-changer” and other animal rights groups are applauding the re-classification as well. “We’re thrilled to see a light at the end of the tunnel with China’s proposal to reclassify dogs as companion animals and bring an end to dog meat trade,” Marty Irby, executive director of Animal Wellness Action told Fox News.
“These animals are our dutiful companions and not our dinner fare. If COVID—19 has taught us anything, it’s that we cannot allow infectious practices such as eating bats, dogs, cats, pangolins, and other exotic creatures to continue not only for the welfare of the animals, but for the health and safety of the human race and global economy.”
Shenzhen First City to Ban Consumption of Dogs
Although dogs are still eaten in many parts of China, the practice is becoming less and less popular among the public. As changing attitudes of consumers and questions of public safety are catapulted to the forefront, the Chinese government is responding to reflect those changes. In fact, one major city has already taken a firm stance against the consumption of dogs. The city of Shenzhen has become the first city in China to completely ban eating dogs.
Long Way to Go, But It’s a Step in the Right Direction
The reclassification as companions, ban of certain species of wildlife, and the outright ban of dog meat in Shenzhen are definitely steps in the right direction. There is still a long way to go, however, Humane Society International estimates that there are currently 10 million dogs a year are killed for meat in China, which includes pets that are stolen for that purpose. The city of Yulin continues to hold an annual dog meat festival, too.
There is no doubt that our world is going to be forever changed by the impact of COVID-19. Restrictions against eating animals that should only be human companions would be a huge silver lining in this otherwise unspeakably tragic pandemic.
H/T foxnews.com
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