zootoo.com
discover by
pet type

China Kills Thousands of Cats as Olympics Approach

Browse News

BEIJING – In an attempt to clean-up one of the world's most populous cities before thousands of foreigners flock there for the 2008 Olympic Summer Games, China has begun carrying out the round-up, and extermination of thousands of cats.

UK newspaper Daily Mail reported that the animals are being brought to government “death camps” where without food, water or health care they die of starvation and disease.

According to the reports, a Chinese government campaign has told Beijing residents to beware of stray and feral cats, as they may carry disease – even attributing the spread of SARS in 2003 partially to the animals.

One result of the campaign has been mild hysteria, in one case two concerned kindergarten teachers were so afraid of potential illness reaching their students that they killed six stray felines by beating them to death with sticks.

Animal activists say Beijing residents are abandoning their animals in the streets for fear of possible contamination from the diseases the government claims felines carry.

Animal rights groups in the country have begun speaking out against the 'clean-up' but due to fear of reprisal are limited in their ability to protest.

In all, an estimated 500,000 felines are said to have been culled by the government.

Government officials assert that people can adopt the cats they round up from any of the 12 pounds located throughout the city, but animal activists claim the facilities are “almost impossible to get inside.”

One group adopted 30 cats from one such compound, but reported that within days, half the felines died due to diseases.

“These cats are being left to die. It is very humane,” said Yan Qi, founder of the aforementioned rescue group.

According to another rescuer, disease in the pounds spreads quickly because the animals are kept in tiny cages and in very tight proximity to one another.

Since adopting the sick animals, Yan’s group has been banned from entering the pounds.

“We have tried to negotiate with the government to stop the round-ups and to introduce cut-price neutering services so that people can afford to keep their pets but they won’t listen,” she said. “They are not thinking about the cats. They just want to get the quickest results in the quickest way possible, by clearing as many cats from the city as they can.”

According to former doctor and current cat caretaker, 80 year-old Hu Yuan, many of the cats are also being sent to southern Chinese city of Guangzhou – known for serving meat from dogs and cats and other exotic animals.

Cleaning up cats isn’t the government’s only recent tactic to improve the city’s appearance in the days leading up to the games. To ease smog, polluting factories will be shut down, but only for the duration of the events.

Subway fares will be reduced to keep riders off polluting buses, and homeless people are being given rail passes and encouraged to return to their home cities.

Taxi drivers are being taught simple greetings in English as part of a courtesy campaign aimed at teaching Beijing’s notoriously “grumpy” residents to be polite.

Tell us what you think under this story. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. You can send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204.



Tags


How do you like this article?

22%, 31 out of 137 users thumbed up.
Thumbs Up Thumbs Down

Discuss this topic

Comments


2501 comments found.
1 ... 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Showing page of 36 Go
 
Scarlett M.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Remember this is also the society that killed unborn children if the family had too many. It might be a good example of what we don't want our country to turn into. It is amazing how scare techniques can cause people to become monsters.
 
rachfishman
rachfishman
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 1 user liked it.
Reply
I'm really annoyed that the Olympics are being held in China at all. It seems like they are being rewarded with all the money the games will bring to their economy, when they kill animals there and Kill US animals with tainted pet food ingredients. Just another reason to boycot products made in china.
 
natefishman
natefishman
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 1 user liked it.
Reply
I'm with you. I'm doing everything I can to avoide China made products and buy USA made things. But it is really hard to find USA products these days.
 
tsmackley
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I cannot believe how cruel people can be and they are supposed to be intelligent?
At least if they had to control to some degree they could at least find a humane way to do it.
But to say the least this is just so wrong!
 
Debbie L.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
FYI: There is a great website called "Waggin Tails" that sells ONLY animal products made in USA. After that horrid pet food scare.... I have become a regular. Check it out.. kind of nice having all pet food delivered to my door. If nothing else, you can check out the brands and then see who carries in your area.
 
NewfGirl
NewfGirl
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
How barbaric, yet not surprising at all when you consider it's China. What that government does to its people, animals, the environment - is just unacceptable. How they ever were chosen for the Olympics is beyond me. They don't deserve it. This story just reinforces my decision to avoid anything from China - food, toys, clothing...anything!!!
 
Karen S.
Karen S. (kstroop)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
This story needs to get out to all people and should be put on all newshows, etc. I have been banning anything made in China for quite some time. It is difficult but not impossible. Go online and type in Made in the USA and you will get list of everything from gas to dishsoap that is made in this country. If it not made here you do not need to buy it!

Boycott the Olympics and write to every newspaper, congressman, etc. and let them know what they are doing to the poor cats. In the USA we are finally coming around and helping our animals - we do not need to have anything to do with a Country that treats any living being in this manner.
 
NewfGirl
NewfGirl
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Well said! Good tip about the "Made In USA" search...sometimes things are so simple you don't even think of doing them!!!
 
D. Rene
D. Rene (mooredr3)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
This is horrible. Cats left to die.
 
Kimerly A.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I try and avoid anything made in China. I cannot stand how their govt treats their people, environment and animals. I don't trust them and this is one of the many reasons why.

How barbaric.
 
Bob C.
Bob C. (rjcronk)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I hear you.... I would never buy any food or pet product made in China. They have not control over anything.. and really dont care either..
 
beaglemutz
beaglemutz
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I don't just try, I DO avoid things made in China right now, specifically for my pets. I don't even think I could go into a Chinese restaurant here in the US now!
 
kateful
kateful
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
this is so sad. I just don't understand.
 
Bob C.
Bob C. (rjcronk)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
The Chines gov.. I have no use for them... they are a primative people.. I always check on anything I buy if it says made in China I never buy it..
 
Debbie L.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I am so happy to hear that. Too many people shop at Walmart because of cost. Problem is... literally all items they carry are made in China. I wish our government would take action and stop importing so many items from China... including pet food that kills our animals. I do not doubt that was intentional as well.
 
Debbie L.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I forgot to mention on last post.. there is a group of us banning any items from China. Very tough situation when shopping but we found it is possible. We buy items only from USA, Canada, even India.. anywhere but China. We try to buy items manufactured in USA but at times, I dare you to find any! It is about time people joined together and stopped supporting disgusting and cruel China. They have no regard or respect for animals.
 
Bob C.
Bob C. (rjcronk)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I agree... never buy anything from China... I was at a major chain pet store over Christmas and all the rawhides were made in China... I would never trust the ingredients from something made in China.. also the last dog food scare was because of wheat glutton imported from China..
 
janice w.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
how horrible..i just..wow..thats just low of people.
 
Kristi L.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
It is sick that they are using hysteria to get people to abandon their healthy pets and get kids and school teachers to beat cats to death. I don't understand their reasoning, they should have humanely euthanized the diseased cats. It's sad to think this was all implemented to make them look better for the olympics. It seems to be sending the opposite message....
 
Bob C.
Bob C. (rjcronk)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
the Chinese never give cats or dogs rabbies shots. When rabbies breaks out they just kill thousands of dogs... yet they think they are a world power.. to me they are a disgrace... they are not civilized.
 
suzzieQ
suzzieQ
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
and everyone says the united states has problems. look at them, killing off cats like this.
 
Bob C.
Bob C. (rjcronk)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Be glad you are born in the US... not in a 3rd world country... I have traveled in 3rd world countries and human life is cheap... so where do you think the animals fit in ?
 
Debbie L.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Just another story about ignorant people in China. I would NEVER go there for the Olympics or anything else for that matter. Any one hear about how they treat animals in their zoos? If not.. I do not suggest reading. I have yet to get these visions out of my head. I wish I could do something for cats and dogs in China.
 
Connie B.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Stay away from the O Games! I hope all "Humane Countries" get the word out about this. They really have no respect for any kind of life animal or human!!!!
 
Candy
Candy (cdeberry)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Boycott the Beijing Olympics. This is utterly disgusting and horrific (as if their human rights abuses and environmental damage wasn't enough!)
 
kelly b.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I can't believe they are allowing this? What a terrible why to die. WHy can't they at least humanely euthanize them?? CHina scares me when it comes to how they treat animals.
 
Barbara H.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
This is such a sad story. Hopefully people arroundthe world will not go to the
Olympics. There are many reasons not to. I want to cry for those poor cats.
 
Hannanahmom
Hannanahmom
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 1 user liked it.
Reply
This is just awful. There should be a boycott or threat of one over this. But because the Olympics are going on there depite China's reported involvement with the genocide going on in Darfur, I doubt any other country will care enough to pressure China to change their barbaric treatment of cats. I would say boycott products made in China, but that country seems to make everything we buy!!
 
Greg K.
Greg K. (gaknott)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
People need to tell the IOC that this is not acceptable!! It will not stop otherwise.
 
TeriWarner
TeriWarner
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 1 user liked it.
Reply
THEY ARE TEACHING SCOOL CHILDREN TO BEAT CATS??? I HAVE NO WORDS
 
Jacob
Jacob (BlackLab)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Seriously!!!
 
Dusty
Dusty (dvrkennels)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
How messed up is that?!?!Someone should really show these guys how to do things properly!
 
TeriWarner
TeriWarner
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I SAY THE US TAKES A STAND AND CANCELS HAVING THE OLYMPICS IN CHINA. JUST SAY NO!
 
TeriWarner
TeriWarner
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
These cats are being left to die. It is very humane,”
FIRST OFF, THIS IS HUMANE????
 
Brenda J.
Brenda J. (bjock)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
This is absolutely horrible. They should not be allowed to have the Olympics in a city that would stoop to these tactics to "clean up." I hope this receives more attention internationally and something is done. This is hard to stomach!!
 
Paintpaws
Paintpaws
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
Its bad enough that they're killing ALL of the cats, including the healthy ones (at least they were healthy until they were exposed to this mess), but if you're going to insist upon doing this, do it HUMANELY! Euthanize them, don't just leave them in cramped quarters with other animals, spreading disease, without food and water. That is a horrible way to die. If you wouldn't subject yourself and your fellow human beings to a situation, then it is not suitable for animals either!
 
Sheila
Sheila (HayleysMom)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
So much truth to your statement and wisely worded - I too cannot understand why they would herd them together to die so inhumanely in a "death camp"
My God, capturing and dealing with cats in such an inhumane way does nothing but make the city of Beijing and the country look horrible - it respresents them in their true light !!!! This is disgusting
 
Tara S.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I wish this was on the evening news so everyone heard about it, this is completely inhumane and unethical. There is no reason to hold an Olympics in a country that starves animals to death in gigantic groups. Sickening!
 
Christine
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
What the heck is wrong with people!?!?!!? How about we leave THEM without food, water or health care to just suffer and die!? I mean seriously, what is wrong with them??? That is just soooo cruel and inhumane, I don't care if some are diseased or feral, euthanize them properly, not by letting the poor creatures suffer. Don't these idiots over there realize that animals have feelings too????? Shaking head....
 
John H.
Flag this | Good Point | 2 users liked it.
Reply
This is horrific, but no less than the way they treat dogs and even humans. Life has no value to the amoral communist government. What a shame, but we should not be surprised.

Since human rights are such a problem in China, don't expect our government to expend any energy protesting this issue, as their priority is addressing the human condition in that sad country. I still can't believe they got the Olympics.
 
Debbie G.
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
This is terrible. Will surely hurt the image wanted by the Olympics. Must be some other way to handle this problem.
 
Teresa G.
Teresa G. (TAG)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
That's a very sick thing to do!!!!!! These poor animals!!
 
PennyOnTheFloor
PennyOnTheFloor
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
This is horrible. I can't believe that the olympic committee is allowing this to happen. Yes, there is a problem with strays... but this is the absolute wrong way to go about it....
 
mark
mark (goody)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
china is terible
 
cinzoo
cinzoo
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
China isn't known for its kindnes to humans or animals. Why doesn't the olympic committee think about the declining interest in the event in general and when you add this kind of bad PR it really is no wonder at all. Very, very sad stuff but honestly not surprising.
 
Michele D.
Michele D. (Madbc)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I echo Angel's thoughts... Wish the international community or Olympic community could get on China's case about this...
 
Alex C.
Alex C. (tushababy)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
I wish they would find another way to go about this. And the line that says "these animals are being left to die,it's very humane." That guy needs a freaking reality check, how about we put him in a tiny cage with no food and no water because there's too many people in their town. Yeah right.
 
Lisa
Lisa (Spaceylisa)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 3 users liked it.
Reply
China has a bad rep all around . NO Olympics there. How cruel just letting them die of starvation or some illness due to neglect. The government is using scar tactics to scare their people. Please cats don;t carry SARS. They re brain washing their people.
 
Angel L.
Angel L. (Etain)
1 year ago
Flag this | Good Point | 0 users voted.
Reply
This is terrible! I can't believe the line that says "these animals are being left to die, it is very humane" I can only hope that is a typo... yet another showing of the Chinese government being inhumane to people and animals.
Zootoo pet news videos
A Whole Art Gallery, Gone to the Dogs?

A Whole Art Gallery, Gone to the Dogs?

Have you ever wondered what the world looked like to a dog? Well what if "Spot" could draw a picture for you? In New York's neighborhood of Chelsea, t…

Meet Munch: Star of Iams

Meet Munch: Star of Iams' 'Beautiful on the Inside' Ad

Big conventions can be great places to hobnob with celebrities, and the Meet The Breeds event at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City w…

'Pick of the Litter' Digs Veterans, CSI

Everyday brings a wealth of new content to Zootoo.com -- from journals to answers, pet lovers are sharing what matters to them most. To make sure you …

Pet Costume Party Leads to

Pet Costume Party Leads to 'Puptials'

In downtown Manhattan, Great Danes and Cairn Terriers become superheroes and golf caddies for one night -- Halloween! And the place to show off their …

Inmates Come to Animal Shelter

Inmates Come to Animal Shelter's Rescue

ST. CLOUD, Fla. -- With a sour economy and a shrinking budget, one Central Florida county has come up with a novel way to keep its animal shelter ope…

New Yorkers Give $19K to Animal Rescue

New Yorkers Give $19K to Animal Rescue

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, New Yorkers generously donated $19,000 to the Glen Wild Animal Rescue at Unleashed, an Auction and Cocktail Party held at the Ca…

Turtles Saved by Federal Stimulus Money

Turtles Saved by Federal Stimulus Money

LEON COUNTY, Fla. -- Matt Aresco has three and a half million reasons to smile. He's on a one man crusade to save turtles in North Florida and now ha…

Meet the Breeds: Gives Dogs, Cats the Limelight

Meet the Breeds: Gives Dogs, Cats the Limelight

NEW YORK -- Hundreds of dogs and cats gathered under one roof, and the only fighting was for an adoring crowd's attention. That was the scene on Octob…

AKC

AKC's Newest Breed: The Leonberger

NEW YORK -- The 2009 Meet The Breeds Convention at the Jacob Javits Center in New York was an opportunity to see an astounding variety of dogs and cat…

Eukanuba Celebrates 40 Years with Prebiotics

Eukanuba Celebrates 40 Years with Prebiotics

Eukanuba Celebrates 40 Years with Prebiotics: The pet food company Eukanuba celebrates its 40th anniversary -- and pet health -- by showcasing its lin…


View all

News Archive