China bans dog and cat meat

BEIJING - China has decided to ban consumption of dog and cat meat in the country through a new law which seeks a fine of $730 and up to 15-day detention for offenders.

A proposed draft of China’s first law on animal welfare, being prepared by a panel of legal experts, has provision of a fine of up to 5,000 yuan ($730) and up to 15 days’ detention for the guilty.

Those found guilty of selling the meat can be fined anywhere between 10,000 yuan to 500,000 yuan, China Daily reported quoting Beijing-based Mirror Evening News.

“There are still many difficulties to overcome before (legislators) include the article against consumption of dog and cat meat into the draft law,” Chang Jiwen, head of the legal panel was quoted as saying.

“I hope the problem can be solved as soon as possible, although it will be solved sooner or later,” he said.

Chang said the prohibition, however, would not affect the lives of common Chinese a lot as very few people eat dog or cat meat in the country.

He said the proposed draft, which focuses on preventing animal mistreatment, protects six categories of animals — those on farms, in laboratories, pets, working animals, animals for entertainment purposes, and wild animals.

The proposed draft will be submitted to relevant government departments in April.