China Drafts Nation's First Animal Protection Law

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China Drafts Nation’s First Animal Protection Law

 

28 September 2009

(Beijing) - The International Fund for Animal

Welfare (IFAW-www.ifaw.org) applauds China for drafting

the country’s first animal welfare legislation, which would make animal abuse

and cruelty a punishable offence. A draft of the Animal Protection Law which

outlines the basic standards for treating all animals in different situations

is published online for public comment, from a legal conference in Beijing,

China.

Recently, several Chinese cities have forged ahead with dog

culls citing concerns of rabies, leaving tens of thousands of dogs brutally

killed. Such slaughter would be stemmed should this law be passed.

In addition to releasing the draft animal protection law,

changes regarding China’s Criminal Law were also suggested, making animal abuse

a punishable offence.

Millions of animals suffer horribly every year from cruelty in

zoos and parks, on farms, markets and the streets, in laboratories and during

the process of transport and slaughter. Often ignorant about animals can feel

pain, people treat animals only as a “resource” and do the cruelest thing to

them. Foxes are skinned alive for their fur. Bears have open wounds in their

bodies to extract their bile. Tigers, with their tooth and claws pulled out,

are chained to the ground for picture taking with tourists. Cats are boiled

alive before they are eaten. Dogs are clubbed and stoned to death in the name

of “rabies prevention and population control”.

“This is a very significant step for China, not only for the

millions of animals that suffer from abuse and cruelty, but also for the

country’s image as it drives for social progress and harmony”. Said Grace Ge

Gabriel, IFAW’s Asia Regional Director, “The cruel treatment of animals not

only results in the suffering of the animals, but also in the degradation of

society. Imagine what it does to children to witness these brutal acts, and to

grow up thinking that it is appropriate to treat another living creature this

way.”

The need to have legislation banning the cruel treatment of

animals is increasingly felt by Chinese people. Recently, after the cruel

killing of over 40,000 dogs in Hanzhong, an online poll of 63,000 people found

that 89% support the drafting of anti cruelty legislation.

The draft law outlines guidelines for disease prevention and

medical care for animals. It covers wildlife, farm animals, companion animals,

lab animals and work animals, and stipulates welfare requirements for animals

in transport and slaughter.

The draft is developed by an expert team of researchers led by

Professor Chang Jiwen at China’s Academy of Social Sciences, supported by

animal welfare groups such as IFAW. After the public comment period, the draft

law will be proposed to the National People’s Congress, the legislative body of

China.

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)

As one of the world’s leading animal welfare organization, IFAW works from its

global headquarters in the United States and 14 country offices to improve the

welfare of wild and domestic animals by reducing the commercial exploitation of

animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. With

projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW works both on the ground and in the

halls of government to safeguard wild and domestic animals and seeks to

motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare

and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and

people. To learn how you can help, please visitwww.ifaw.org

http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw_united_states/media_center/press_releases/9_28_2009_57925.php