PETA: Animal rights on the rise in China

Humane Society International visits dog meat markets and slaughterhouses in Yulin, China.

by Graham Land-5th February 2016

CHINA is not famous as a place where animals are treated compassionately. Despite the traditional Chinese philosophies of Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism promoting compassion towards animals, the country receives more attention from the animal rights community due to its status as a hotbed for cruel animal shows, dog meat festivals and the trade in wildlife parts, both legal and illegal.

Yet things are changing, especially among China’s young and educated.

A kinder, gentler China?

While animal welfare as an issue may be unknown to many Chinese, a study published in 2014 showed that a majority of people surveyed at least partially supported animal-welfare laws.

PETA Asia special projects coordinator Layla Wen:

With greater access to information – particularly through social media – China’s younger generations are increasingly eager to speak out against abusing animals for food, fashion or entertainment.

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