Largest U.S. Animal Protection Organization Calls on Secretary of Commerce to Address Beijing's One-Dog Policy

[Guest guest]

Largest Animal Protection Organization In U.S. Calls on Secretary of

Commerce to Address Beijing's Misguided One-Dog Policy

 

WASHINGTON (Nov. 15) - The Humane Society of the United States/Humane

Society International is calling on the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to

address Chinese officials regarding Beijing's new one-dog policy

while he is there to discuss trade issues. The request is in response

to new rules in China outlawing large dogs within Beijing city limits

and the suburbs, as well as a law banning more than one dog per

household.

 

HSUS/HSI, which represents nearly 10 million members and constituents

worldwide, has expressed concern about this, especially in light of

events early last August, when more than 50,000 dogs were slaughtered

in a southwestern province in China after reported rabies cases there

among residents.

 

In a letter sent to Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez last night, Andrew

Rowan, Ph.D., executive vice president of operations for The HSUS,

wrote, " As a guest in China, we feel it is imperative that you

address these issues, as you are representing a country that is one

of the largest consumers of pet products and goods, much of it

manufactured in China. Over the last decade, pet ownership in China

has risen exponentially, creating a market that holds the promise of

reaching $2 billion dollars in sales. "

 

" In light of the growing pet industry there, the economic benefits

of working closely with animal welfare organizations would no doubt

be an asset to the United States as well as China, " he added.

 

After rebuking the mass killings of dogs in the Yunnan Province in

early August, The HSUS/HSI offered $100,000 to the Chinese government

to establish an effective rabies control program in some southern

provinces, contingent upon " the full co-operation of the relevant

national and local authorities in China and Jining City and an

understanding that mass and indiscriminate dog killing programs will

be terminated immediately, " stated by HSUS president and CEO Wayne

Pacelle at the time.

 

HSI is currently working in India, Nepal and Indonesia to provide

guidance in developing humane animal control programs, which include

sterilization and effective rabies vaccination.

 

Media Contact: Polly Shannon,

<pshannonpshannon , 301-721-6440 ,

703-283-5104

 

 

The Humane Society of the United States

2100 L Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20037

<http://www.hsus.org/>www.hsus.org

Promoting the Protection of All Animals

 

 

 

 

Interested in taking action online to help animals? Then join our

online community and sign up for our Humane Action Network. Go to

<http://www.hsus.org/join>www.hsus.org/join .

 

 

 

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