Interest in the Chinese draft bill around Pacific Rim

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From ANIMAL PEOPLE, March 2010:

 

 

 

Interest in the Chinese draft bill around Pacific Rim

 

TAIPEI, SEOUL-- The Chinese draft animal welfare bill

attracted keen interest elsewhere around the Pacific Rim, especially

as a potential precedent for strengthening the animal welfare laws of

some of China's major Asian trading partners.

Business news media discussed whether the introduction of a

Chinese animal welfare act will lead to international regulation of

animal welfare comparable to the regulation of commerce in endangered

species. Most pundits appeared to agree that whatever animal welfare

legislation China enacts will become the default standard for Asia,

and that no nation will prosper in trade if it has lower standards.

The Taipei-based China Post likened the persistence of

dog-eating in China to the consumption of whale meat in Japan, " now

marginally eaten by many of the younger generation, who see the

habit as a cultural remnant. "

Recommending compromise, to ensure passage of a Chinese

animal welfare act without a protracted conflict over dog-eating,

the China Post concluded that, " Taken as a culturally legitimate

food source, dogs raised for food must be given the same humane

treatment that animal welfare groups advocate for farm animals. "

Changkil Park, founder of the South Korean organization

Voice 4 Animals, took an opposite tack, urging China to prohibit

eating dogs and cats at a February 2, 2010 rally in Seoul. " It's

only a draft, " Park acknowledged, " but it is important and greatly

welcomed with open arms! "

 

 

 

--

Merritt Clifton

Editor, ANIMAL PEOPLE

P.O. Box 960

Clinton, WA 98236

 

Telephone: 360-579-2505

Fax: 360-579-2575

E-mail: anmlpepl

Web: www.animalpeoplenews.org

 

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