Health

Eating Cats & Dogs Officially Banned In Shenzhen, First Chinese City To Do So

Shenzhen Bans Consumption Of Cats & Dogs From 1 May

Many suspects that wildlife trade has led to the emergence of Covid-19, although the world is still scrambling to confirm its true origin.

Taking heed of the virus’ unprecedented outbreak, Shenzhen city in China had proposed a ban in wildlife trade to avoid a coronavirus 2.0 in late February.

Now, these plans are finally turning into a reality.

On Thursday (2 Apr), BBC reports that Shenzhen will ban the practice of eating cats and dogs from 1 May.

Source

They are now the first Chinese city to implement such a ban.

Bans consumption on cats & dogs

In response to the Covid-19 outbreak, China enforced a widespread ban on sale and consumption of wild animals in February. According to Business Insider, this move aimed to stop zoonotic diseases from transmitting between animals and humans.

Shenzhen is taking this a step further by prohibiting the practice of eating domestic animals like cats and dogs.

Source

 

This move may put a stop to the slaughter of around 4 million cats and 10 million dogs per year, according to China policy specialist Dr Peter Li in BBC’s report.

Since many people have formed bonds with their pets, it’s unusual for Chinese to eat cat or dog meat, contrary to what others may think.

Wuhan residents living in Singapore had also voiced out against the bat-eating stereotypes earlier this year. They had clarified that most of their community do not eat exotic creatures.

Restriction extends to eating wildlife

Shenzhen’s inaugural law will also extend to consumption, breeding, and sale of animals from the wild, “state-protected animals”, and “farmed terrestrial wild species”, reports CNN.

Source

The only meat types with a green light for human consumption include:

  • Cattle
  • Chicken
  • Donkey
  • Duck
  • Goose
  • Pig
  • Pigeon
  • Quail
  • Rabbit
  • Sheep
  • Aquatic animals not prohibited by the law.

Those found guilty of selling, breeding and consuming wild species will be subjected to a fine from S$30,290 (150,000 yuan) to S$40,387 (200,000 yuan).

This is if the activities involved are valued at less than S$2,020 (¥10,000). If the animal is worth more than S$2,020 (¥10,000), then offenders will be issued fines amounting to 20-30 times the animal’s price.

Preventing another coronavirus pandemic

Scientists theorised that SARS and Covid-19 originated from bats and pangolins.

The root cause of Covid-19 is yet to be revealed. But it’s comforting to know that Shenzhen isn’t taking chances and exercising all means necessary to avoid another coronavirus.

Ultimately, stopping the wildlife trade is in the hands of shoppers and consumers. While indulging in peculiar meat seems appealing for some, it may be time to end the habit for the betterment of society.

Featured image from Change.org

Monique Danao

When Monique's not writing, you'll find her enjoying funky food, listening to music and playing RPGs.

Recent Posts

Unit pricing to be piloted at selected supermarkets in S’pore, with customer feedback sought

It means the price per unit of measurement will be displayed for a product, for…

16 Mar 2025, 2:57 am

Man reportedly living near power substation in Sembawang carpark, bathes in rubbish collection point

The small "room" he set up includes a cardboard sheet for a bed, pillows and…

16 Mar 2025, 1:57 am

Bus carrying 23 S’poreans crashes near Cameron Highlands, 3 injured including bus driver

The bus driver broke his leg and was rescued by members of the public.

16 Mar 2025, 1:09 am

Mother of 3 nabbed for suspected drug abuse, drugs left openly in her bedroom

She had been abusing 'Ice' at home and left the drug openly in the bedroom…

16 Mar 2025, 12:06 am

Ex-Ng Teng Fong Hospital healthcare worker presses male patient’s genital while taking blood pressure, gets 15 months’ jail

The accused alleged that the victim’s claims were made up over a homophobic bias.

15 Mar 2025, 6:05 pm

Passengers collect wrong luggage at Bangkok airport, discover 24kg of cannabis inside

They're shocked by the sheer amount and how it slipped past the customs unnoticed.

15 Mar 2025, 5:53 pm