Photos from Animal Equality
It is difficult to understand how wet markets were ever allowed to exist in the first place. Tragically, they are still allowed throughout Asia and in many countries around the world.
As previously reported by WAN, the coronavirus is believed to have originated from the consumption of pangolins and bats in one of these sickening markets in Wuhan, China.
This would not be the first time that a deadly virus was linked to animal trade and consumption: H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) are two other recent examples of viruses that likely originated in animals and then jumped to humans causing dangerous outbreaks.
Now, comes news that some of the wet markets that were closed as a result of the current pandemic are re-opening in China.
These disgusting markets must end and never be allowed to operate again. Not only in China, but throughout the world.
It is because of the public health crisis that wet markets cause, as well as the intense suffering inflicted on the animals, that Animal Equality launched a worldwide campaign and petition urging the United Nations and UN Secretary-General António Guterres to demand a ban on all wet markets across the globe.
As noted in a statement on the organization’s website, “wet markets get their name in part from the blood, guts, scales, and water that soak the stall floors, remnants of animals brutally killed so customers can eat freshly killed meat.”
“Wet markets have no place in our society and should be immediately closed,” President of Animal Equality, Sharon Núñez told WAN. “Not only are these markets extremely cruel to animals, scientific research has shown their connection to animal-borne disease outbreaks, proving they are also an immediate threat to public health and safety.”
Exclusive heart-wrenching footage shot by Animal Equality at wet markets in China, Vietnam, and India, show animals such as: deer, raccoons, crocodiles, and dogs living in filthy conditions, suffering from dehydration, starvation, and disease. That is, before the poor live animals are brutally slaughtered for their meat.
