Breaking! The City Of Shenzhen In China Introduces Landmark Legislation Banning The Human Consumption Of Dogs & Cats

In a historic move, the city of Shenzhen in China has introduced a draft regulation that includes protection for cats and dogs as part of a nationwide drive to implement a “total ban” on the consumption of wild animals following the coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement posted on its official website Tuesday, the Standing Committee of the Shenzhen Municipal’s People Congress, the city’s legislature, said the regulation aims to eliminate people’sdie-hard habits of consuming wildlife, as well as dog and cat meat, protect biological and ecological safety, and effectively prevent major public health risks.

The draft bans the consumption of all terrestrial animals living in the wild, such as snakes, turtles and bats, regardless of whether they are on the country’s protection list or not. The measure also includes the consumption of domesticated animals, as well as those that have been bred in the wild.

Consumers of nonprotected wildlife will be fined between 1,000 yuan (US$142) and 2,000 yuan. Organizers of the banquets will be fined between 5,000 and 10,000 yuan.

The fine for consumers of protected wild animals at public eateries is from 2,000 to 20,000 yuan each and for organizers from 10,000 to 50,000 yuan.

Penalties will also be imposed on people running wildlife businesses. In such cases fines will range from 20,000 yuan to 200,000 yuan and licenses will be revoked.

Referring to a recent survey, the statement noted that nearly 95% of people agreed that eating animals living in the wild should be prohibited. Another 29.3% voted against the eating of bred wildlife such as turtles, snakes, birds, and insects; 73% against animals and related products used for research; and 70% against pets.

Shenzhen’s legislators are allowing one week for public responses to the suggested ban before turning it into law.

Local residents are urged to comment on the new life-saving regulation, but must do so by March 5th. Opinions can be expressed by email at szrdfw@163.com or CLICK HERE!

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg