HK - Jill Robinson's opinion piece in South China Morning Post

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South China Morning Post

Oct 04, 2007

 

China's crying need for animal welfare laws

 

By Jill Robinson

Over the past 20 years, I've seen enormous developments in the animal

welfare movement in this region. In China especially, where once

there was only a handful of groups addressing the plight of animals,

today there are more than 50 local associations - representing

hundreds of thousands of people striving for change.

 

Effective grass-roots programmes are now translating into solid

solutions for animals. But these programmes would not survive in the

long term if they detracted from the health and well-being of people.

This is always a consideration in our work. For example, when we call

for an end to dog culling on the streets of the mainland, we are also

working with the authorities to address the problems of rabies and

how to protect the community at large.

 

The eyes of the dogs and cats that haunt us from their cages - in

live animal markets across the country - are our inspiration for

persevering until the last market has closed. But, again, solutions

are hard to find.

 

Since 1991, our Dr Dog programme, which operates in 10 cities

throughout Asia, has not only inspired compassion for animals at the

most basic level. It also helps thousands of people through the

medically proven benefits of companion animal therapy.

 

When rescuing bears from the horrific bile farms of mainland China,

Animals Asia factors in compensation for the farmers. This not only

ensures the closure of these facilities, but allows the farmers to

walk away with dignity; empowering them to finance new ventures to

feed and clothe their families. Millions of dollars are being

injected into educational programmes across the country and into

projects on site at our sanctuary, which is now home to over 215

endangered moon bears.

 

But the solutions we provide will be virtually worthless in the long

term unless urgent attention is given to introducing animal welfare

regulations. That omission is seriously harming the animals and the

country's image.

 

The bear bile industry is allowed to continue unimpeded, despite

evidence that it compromises the health and welfare of one of China's

most endangered bear species - and causes an agonising death for the

victims of the trade.

 

As we approach next year's " Green Olympic Games " , we implore Beijing

to recognise that bear farming conflicts greatly with its message of

protecting the country's diverse and precious flora and fauna. We

call on leaders to declare a date by which it will end.

 

We, in turn, pledge to help by providing practical and financial

assistance that will benefit both the bears and stakeholders alike.

 

Local groups in China are struggling physically and financially,

running shelters for stray dogs and cats, or rescuing stolen pets

that are on their way to meat markets. We can offer practical

guidance and veterinary expertise, but this is simply not enough.

 

They, and we, need help at a political level. Today, World Animal

Day, we implore Beijing to join us in finding solutions for a better

future for people and animals alike.

 

Jill Robinson is founder and CEO of Animals Asia Foundation