China Culls Dogs

Tue, 16 Jun 2009

The Chinese city of Hanzhong has killed 36,000 stray and pet dogs in an effort to wipe out rabies . 12 people have died in Hanzhong from rabies, whilst more than 6,000 people have been bitten or scratched since late May. The cull has attracted criticism from international animal rights groups, which have also criticised China for mistreating and inhumanely killing cats and dogs raised only for their pelts. Raising dogs was only legalised a few years ago in China as living standards rose, having previously been banned as a bourgeois pastime under late Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

Efforts to pass animal welfare legislation have increased since rumours of a cull emerged. Legislation is in the draft stage and will include domestic animals . Pets would be protected under the laws, which would ban brutal cullings and other forms of pet mistreatment. The proposals are said to have been influenced by the UK’s sterilisation programmes and computer chip implants, with a view to reducing the mistreatment of animals.

Only endangered species are protected at present in China, with no penalty for hurting or killing other animals sold as pets or for food.

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