The notorious dog meat Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China opened its doors again despite coronavirus. This is in defiance with the Government campaign to enhance animal welfare and reduce health risks highlighted by the novel coronavirus outbreak. However, many activists hope its days remain numbered. The coronavirus pandemic gave rise to a lot of awareness towards the consumption of meat. And Wuhan banned hunting and selling of wild animals for the next five years. Activists hope other cities in China to follow suit and propagate towards the closing of the said festival.
Annual 10-Day Dog Meat Fair In China Begins
The annual 10-day dog meat festival in the southwestern city of Yulin, China usually attracts thousands of visitors. The festival happening during the summer solstice witnesses lesser people this year as reported by the campaigners. HSI spokesperson Wendy Higgins states to The Guardian that Chinas interest in dog meat is dwindling. But unfortunately, it isn’t enough to stop the Yulin Dog Meat Festival from continuing on this year. The government too continues to draw new laws to prohibit wildlife trade and protect pets. Moreover, campaigners hope that this year will be the last time the festival is held. In Indonesia as well, bats are reportedly back on the menu at the Tohomon Market.
Peter Li is the China policy specialist with the Humane Society International, an animal rights group. While speaking to a media house, he said, “I do hope Yulin will change not only for the sake of the animals but also for the health and safety of its people… Allowing mass gatherings to trade and consume dog meat in crowded markets and restaurants in the name of a festival poses a significant public health risk.”
Shenzhen Became The First Chinese City To Ban Dog Meat In April
Researchers believe that the coronavirus originated in horseshoe bats before crossing into humans during a market within the city of Wuhan. This has forced China to reassess its relationship with animals. And it’s vowed to ban the wildlife trade. In April, Shenzhen became the primary city in China to ban the consumption of dogs, with others expected to follow.
The agriculture ministry also decided to classify dogs as pets instead of livestock. But it remains unclear how the reclassification will affect Yulin’s trade. Zhang Qianqian, an animal rights activist who was in Yulin on June 20 said it had been only a matter of time before the dog-meat festival was banned. “From what we understand from our conversations with meat sellers, leaders have said the consumption of dog meat won’t be allowed in future,” she said. Well, let’s hope there will soon be an end to this dog eat dog world. Till then, did you know that Wuhan in China where the coronavirus is believed to have originated will open its doors for dark tourism?