'Significant' animal welfare move in China
October 8th 2009 22:19
China is preparing to introduce animal welfare legislation. It is hoped the country's first laws making animal abuse and cruelty a punishable offence will address such issues as municipal dog culls. This is a common practice, aimed at fighting rabies, but often sees thousands of dogs at a time brutally killed.
Changes to China’s Criminal Law have also been suggested, making animal abuse a punishable offence under that Act as well.
Ge Gabriel, the Asia Regional Director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), called the Chinese move a "very significant step ... not only for the millions of animals that suffer from abuse and cruelty, but also for the country’s image as it drives for social progress and harmony”.
The pressure on authorities to introduce animal welfare laws has been growing. Reports of a culling of more than 40,000 dogs in Hanzhong recently resulted in an online poll of 63,000 people giving 89% support to the drafting of anti-cruelty legislation.
The draft is being developed by a team of researchers led by Professor Chang Jiwen at China’s Academy of Social Sciences. It outlines guidelines for disease prevention and medical care for animals. It covers wildlife, farm animals, companion animals, lab animals and work animals, and stipulates welfare requirements for animals in transport and slaughter.
The draft, which is being supported by animal welfare groups such as the IFAW, will undergo a public comment period before being sent to China's top legislative body, the the National People’s Congress.
image: www.evergladesphotosociety.org
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Comment by Queenie
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Quirky Queenie
Comment by Chris Champion
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Yes, fingers crossed that this time they mean what they say.
Comment by Lara M
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I'm crossing my toes too ...
Comment by Whitney
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Comment by Chris Champion
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I think that's a separate issue.