Ban the sale of dog meat in the week before the Yulin Festival in China. It could be a historic victory for the animal welfare organizations that have been fighting against this macabre tradition for years
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himProhibit the sale of dog meat in the week preceding Yulin Festival, China. It could be one historic victory for the animal welfare associations that have been fighting against this macabre tradition for years.
The Human Society International and the Duo Duo Project have announced the news of the prohibition, thanks to which who will be selling dog meat in the week leading up to the Yulin Lychee and Dog Meat Festival, which begins June 21, will incur one fine equal to about 15 thousand euros, but there is also a risk of prison.
Although by city officials no official confirmation has yet arrived, the prohibition it could be in effect from June 15th for a week. Activists said the halt to sales would be communicative orally to local owners and suppliers.
"Today (May 17, editor's note), Andrea Gun has heard from several reliable sources in Yulin that it will be It is forbidden to sell dog meat starting June 15, a few days before the summer solstice day " explains the association. "The Yulin government will be seriously committed to enforcing this ban and anyone who violates the law will be subject to significant fines and possible prison sentences."
In the past there have been various attempts to limit sales of dog meat, but this could really be the right time.
Although eating dogs and cats has historical cultural roots in China, as well as in many Asian nations, some activists argue that the Yulin festival was only introduced in 2010 by dog meat traders and linked to the summer solstice.
In fact, the tradition of eating dog meat dates back to around 500 years ago in China, South Korea and other countries, but the consumption has never been more widespread. City officials have tried to move away from the festival, pointing out that it is organized by private companies not the authorities.
Dal canto suo, Korea has closed its largest dog meat market, while Taiwan has banned the eating of cats and dogs.
According to animal welfare associations, most of the 10 million dogs and around 4 million cats killed each year in China are stolen animals. The unregulated nature of the trade helps spread of rabies and cholera, according to the World Health Organization. It is no coincidence that China has the second highest number of reported cases of rabies in the world, with an average of 2.000 deaths per year over the past 10 years.
“Most of the dog meat currently on the market does not have a legal certificate,” says Li Weimin, a lawyer from Beijing. “It is difficult to say whether the new rule will really apply to Yulin, but it is a step forward. Other cities will watch Yulin closely and will be able to follow his example ”.
However, there are fears that the dog meat trade will continue and illegally.
“It's not over yet for the Yulin dog meat festival,” says Peter Li, China policy specialist for Human Society International. “But if this news is as true as we hope, it will be a real blow against this terrible festival which symbolizes the trafficking of dog meat fueled by Chinese crime ”.
For more news about the Yulin Festival, READ also:
- DOG MEAT: 5 REASONS TO SAY STOP AT THE YULIN FESTIVAL (PETITION AND VIDEO)
- DOG MEAT: STOP THE CHINESE FESTIVAL THAT WILL SLAUGH UP TO 2000 ANIMALS (PETITIONS)
- MACABRA FESTIVAL IN CHINA: THE DOG MEAT FESTIVAL BEGINS DESPITE THE PROTESTS
- THE CHINESE WOMAN WHO SAVED 100 DOGS FROM THE MEAT FESTIVAL
One month to go to the Yulin Festival. Will it really be the right time?
Francesca Mancuso
