90 million, 740 thousand+ animals slaughtered.
252 thousand+ cattle
1 million, 23 thousand+ sheep
965 thousand+ pigs
88 million, 500 thousand+ “poultry” birds
Does not include other species such as deer, goats, horses, “game birds”, aquatic animals or animals exported for killing.
The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture has proposed legislation to reclassify dogs as “non-livestock” animals.
If successful, and if enforced, this will at least reduce animal suffering.
It’s unclear whether any regulations will also address consumption of dog meat.
While welcome, this is an example of the irrational position of some animals being seen as “pets”, and others as food.
This cognitive dissonance isn’t exclusive to China, it’s enshrined in law across the UK.
On paper, it’s illegal to punch a cow. You can, however, legally repeatedly and forcibly impregnate them, slaughter and eat them, and kidnap and kill their young.
You can also mutilate and torture animals perfectly lawfully, as long as it’s for “research”.
To inflict suffering on any animal, or deprive him or her of their freedom is an injustice and a crime.
If we wouldn’t do it to a dog, we shouldn’t do it to a pig.