
July 21, 2008
In preparation for the Olympic Games, China has recently addressed two animal issues: dog meat on menus and horse safety in equestrian events. (Pet Pulse Photo Illustration by Mike Lloyd)
BEIJING -- Stopping the consumption of dog meat and keeping horses comfortable during their participation in this year’s Summer Games are two priorities for officials as next month’s Olympics approach.
The effort to keep dog meat from being eaten is aimed at respecting the dining customs of different countries, as well heading off protests by animal rights groups.
South Korea introduced similar measures during the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
Tourism officials have asked that hotels and restaurants take dog meat off their menus during the Olympics and the Paralympics to be held in September.
In addition, the Beijing Catering Trade Association has forbidden all 112 specially designated Olympic restaurants from proving dog meat dishes during the games and “strongly advised” other establishments take canine cuisine off the menu.
Dog is mostly eaten by Beijing’s large Korean community, but the Chinese have eaten it for 7,000 years. Consuming canine is widely believed to have medicinal qualities, like lowering blood pressure and boosting virility.
Dog meat is featured prominently at culinary hotspots in Beijing. Xiong Yumei, vice-director of the Beijing Tourism Bureau, told Xinhua news agency that waiters should “patiently” suggest another dish if a customer ordered dog meat.
“Conflicts should be avoided,” Yumei said, adding that when eaten for medicinal purposes, the canine ingredient should be clearly listed.
Liu Bang, first emperor of the han dynasty, was a dog meat fan. The philosopher, Mencius, called canine flesh the “tastiest of all meats.”
Dogs are still farmed in China for their meat, especially St. Bernards, which are bred for their size. Dogs are openly for sale in cages at meat markets in the south.
Pet dogs are not eaten, and dog meat is illegal in Hong Kong, though it is widely available on the mainland.
During the Seoul Olympics in 1988, South Korea introduced dog meat measures similar to those being instituted in China.
In a separate matter, Hong Kong, co-host city for the 2008 Games, is taking steps to ensure that horses being used in equestrian events will have top-notch facilities to use.
Mark Pinkstone, spokesman for the company organizing the Olympic equestrian events, says Hong Kong has put 1 billion Yuan, or $147 million U.S. into a first-class venue.
The money was used to turn a dilapidated stadium into one that can now house 18,000 spectators and provide brand-new stables for nearly 230 horses, Pinkstone says.
The stables are equipped with air conditioners and electric fans, he said.
“They are even better than the ones in the Jockey Club,” Pinkstone said. “I can promise the horses will be fine.”
The equestrian events are 90 percent sold out, according to Pinkstone.
Tell us what you think about “Olympic Issues In Beijing: Dog Meat, Horse Safety” below. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204.
The XinhuaNet.com and The Irish Times contributed to this article.
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It was very hard for them at first, being back in the midst of neighbors whom they had tried to kill. They wished they were back in prison. But a change started to grow them, sparked by the girl's compassion. They became changed men, filled with a desire to unite their community and to atone for their wrongs. They rebuilt the girl's house, and worked to find ways to make life easier for her. But hey didn't stop there. They sought out all the victims of the genocide in their community, and helped them rebuild, and reestablish their lives. And the community chose to have compassion for them, and accepted them back into their lives. The community is united and stands together as one today, thanks in part to a young girl who had the courage to have compassion. There is of course much more to this story, and there are countless stories just like it from across the country.
Why do I believe so strongly in the importance of compassion? Because I have seen it change lives, relationships, communities; I have seen compassion change a country. Again, I say that I believe true change, change of the heart, comes almost exclusively with the influence of true compassion.
But how does this affect our response to this and other stories about China and animal abuse? Well, it absolutely does not mean we have to just accept it. There are a number of steps we can take in compassionate action to begin to make a difference, such as signing petitions, supporting international animal welfare organizations, boycotting US companies that profit from these practices. These same actions might be arrived at through anger and hatred, but those feelings will never change an individual heart. We never know who we will have the chance to met in life. If we are open to opening a compassionate dialog with anyone about our views, we have the chance to change that person's heart, where all the self righteous anger will only fall on deaf ears.
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In California, since there are many Chinese Americans, they had to make it illegal to eat dog meat:
California PENAL CODE Section 598b. (a) Every person is guilty of a misdemeanor who possesses, imports into, or exports from, this state, sells, buys, gives away,
or accepts any carcass or part of any carcass of any animal traditionally or commonly kept as a pet or companion with the intent of using or having another person use any part of that carcass for food.
(b) Every person is guilty of a misdemeanor who possesses, imports into, or exports from, this state, sells, buys, gives away, or accepts any animal traditionally or commonly kept as a pet or companion with the intent of killing or having another person kill that animal for the purpose of using or having another person use any
part of the animal for food.
(c) This section shall not be construed to interfere with the production, marketing, or disposal of any livestock, poultry, fish, shellfish, or any other agricultural commodity produced in this state. Nor shall this section be construed to interfere with the lawful killing of wildlife, or the lawful killing of any other animal under the laws of this state pertaining to game animals.
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“(a) Findings.—Congress makes the following findings:
“(1) An estimated 2,000,000 dogs and cats are slaughtered and sold annually as part of the international fur trade. Internationally, dog and cat fur is used in a wide variety of products, including fur coats and jackets, fur trimmed garments, hats, gloves, decorative accessories, stuffed animals, and other toys.
“(2) The United States represents one of the largest markets for the sale of fur and fur products in the world. Market demand for fur products in the United States has led to the introduction of dog and cat fur products into United States commerce, frequently based on deceptive or fraudulent labeling of the products to disguise the true nature of the fur and mislead United States wholesalers, retailers, and consumers.
“(3) Dog and cat fur, when dyed, is not easily distinguishable to persons who are not experts from other furs such as fox, rabbit, coyote, wolf, and mink, and synthetic materials made to resemble real fur. Dog and cat fur is generally less expensive than other types of fur and may be used as a substitute for more expensive types of furs, which provides an incentive to engage in unfair or fraudulent trade practices in the importation, exportation, distribution, or sale of fur products, including deceptive labeling and other practices designed to disguise the true contents or origin of the product.
“(4) Forensic texts have documented that dog and cat fur products are being imported into the United States subject to deceptive labels or other practices designed to conceal the use of dog or cat fur in the production of wearing apparel, toys, and other products.
“(5) Publicly available evidence reflects ongoing significant use of dogs and cats bred expressly for their fur by foreign fur producers for manufacture into wearing apparel, toys, and other products that have been introduced into United States commerce. The evidence indicates that foreign fur producers also rely on the use of stray dogs and cats and stolen pets for the manufacture of fur products destined for the world and United States markets.
“(6) The methods of housing, transporting, and slaughtering dogs and cats for fur production are generally unregulated and inhumane.
“(7) The trade of dog and cat fur products is ethically and aesthetically abhorrent to United States citizens. Consumers in the United States have a right to know if products offered for sale contain dog or cat fur and to ensure that they are not unwitting participants in this gruesome trade.
“(8) Persons who engage in the sale of dog or cat fur products, including the fraudulent trade practices identified above, gain an unfair competitive advantage over persons who engage in legitimate trade in apparel, toys, and other products, and derive an unfair benefit from consumers who buy their products.
“(9) The imposition of a ban on the sale, manufacture, offer for sale, transportation, and distribution of dog and cat fur products, regardless of their source, is consistent with the international obligations of the United States because it applies equally to domestic and foreign producers and avoids any discrimination among foreign sources of competing products. Such a ban is also consistent with provisions of international agreements to which the United States is a party that expressly allow for measures designed to protect the health and welfare of animals and to enjoin the use of deceptive trade practices in international or domestic commerce.
“(b) Purposes.—The purposes of this chapter [chapter 3 (§§ 1441–1443) of subtitle B of title I of Pub. L. 106–476, see Short Title of 2000 Amendment note set out under section 1654 of this title] are to—
“(1) prohibit imports, exports, sale, manufacture, offer for sale, transportation, and distribution in the United States of dog and cat fur products, in order to ensure that United States market demand does not provide an incentive to slaughter dogs or cats for their fur;
“(2) require accurate labeling of fur species so that consumers in the United States can make informed choices and ensure that they are not unwitting contributors to this gruesome trade; and
“(3) ensure that the customs laws of the United States are not undermined by illicit international traffic in dog and cat fur products.”
2 months ago
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If a great change is to override human tyrrany of animals,
a great collection of human minds will by word and deed
authorize such change. And the inevidable opposition will
appear to be opposed to the decrees of Justice itself,
rather than the fervent desires of a compassionate
multitude. Factual cause, however shocking, can
incite 'desires' for a legal and moral change of
the moral status of animals broadly defined.
J. B. Suconik
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http://www.slate.com
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Why is it that when the food recall happened, much more anger was directed at China than at the US / Canadian / foreign pet food companies that shipped our jobs overseas to China to have the Chinese people manufacture the pet foods?
Why is it that people are upset at how fur is being harvested in China when MOST of that fur is actually being exported to foreign businesses in foreign countries to be turned into fur coats, trinkets, keychains (eg., rabbit's feet as keychains were common when I was growing up), for our consumption?
I think you've hit the nail on the head. It might be a combination of the US economy being in a decline AND China emerging as a world power that has created this animosity towards China. In world history, conflict between peoples usually arise during hard economic times. During these times, governments / national media try to divert the attention of their citizens to the real issues at hand (eg., unemployment, poverty, etc) by channeling the people's frustrations to a 'scapegoat' nation or group of people. It takes the scrutiny and culpability away from an ineffective government (think GB).
Please read my post in response to casia68. Some more food for thought.
2 months ago
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To go further, I'd just like to comment on how our world is rooted in ethnocentrism. We think our customs are best and most appropriate. I'm sure some Chinese wonder why many of us are outraged that they eat dogs. I admit that I am at one extreme of the spectrum -- vegetarian, activist, I don't wear leather or fur, nor do I buy products that were tested on animals. I am at one extreme, and I do see things differently than others see this issue.
I am outraged that people would eat dogs. I hate the idea of it. Okay, so I'm also outraged that the United States harvests any kind of animal for food. I don't like that people are outraged about dogs, but couldn't care less about the cows, pigs, chickens, etc. It is very relative, and it's all personal perception. Some cultures and/or religions are outraged that people would eat cows, because they are sacred. A lot of this is based on tradition and habit. Mixed with pride and a sense of righteousness, people don't really change much.
I hope nobody takes this message as an attack, because that's not how it's meant. There is so much judging going on, and pushing of personal views. Believe me, I would be thrilled if every one of you became vegetarian, but I know that won't happen. And to me, it's difficult to grasp why some of you will fight for the dogs of China but not the farm animals of the U.S.
And yes, a lot of this is political. When we don't like someone, or feel threatened by them, don't we often point out their worst qualities? Can you even imagine what China could point out about U.S. citizens? I can, and it's not pretty.
2 months ago
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I also want to say that if I come across as 'downplaying' China's involvement in this and other news stories, that was not my intention. However, being of Chinese descent and having lived nearly all of my life in North America (and also being very well-acquainted with world events where race relations are implicated), I know very well how seemingly innocuous remarks or ways of thinking, in time, can corrupt the mindset of people, even without their knowing it. I strive very hard to dispel racial stereotypes (or the threat of it) whenever and wherever I encounter it, as much as I fight for better treatment of animals.
2 months ago
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I also want to say that if I come across as 'downplaying' China's involvement in this and other news stories, that was not my intention. However, being of Chinese descent and having lived nearly all of my life in North America (and also being very well-acquainted with world events where race relations are implicated), I know very well how seemingly innocuous remarks or ways of thinking, in time, can corrupt the mindset of people, even without their knowing it. I strive very hard to dispel racial stereotypes (or the threat of it) whenever and wherever I encounter it, as much as I fight for better treatment of animals.
2 months ago
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Let's do some math on this, as a slightly more objective way of answering your question. Approximately 300,000 dogs are killed per year in China for food/fur as opposed to 40,000,000 cattle in the USA. The number of dogs killed in China represents less than 1% of the slaughtered cattle. Let's assume that of the people who eat dogs, they consume 10 lbs per year (because dog meat is very expensive, not something that would be eaten on a daily basis). Let's also assume that each dog killed provides 50 lbs of consumable meat. Based on these numbers, there are approximately 1.5 million Chinese people who consume dog meat, or approximately 1% of the total population of the country (China has over 1 billion inhabitants). I would assume that the percentage of Americans that consume beef is well over 50%. I would have to conclude that the MAJORITY of Chinese people do not condone the practice of dog-eating, or the treatment of these dogs during slaughter, if only 1% of the population eats dog meat.
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Next almost every article I have read said the same thing that the dog meat market is expanding, and they are targeting breeders in other countries for stud dogs. They are looking for the giant breads as they are more profitable.
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So, when we speak of problems in other countries, I feel that it is important to realize that the world is much more globalized now than it was a few centuries ago, and that we are very likely contributing to conditions abroad. There is no quick fix to the world's problems, be it cruel animal practices, child labour, child prostituion. However, as a pragmatist, I think perhaps the best way to change the world is to make changes within our own country first (eg., by voting for a responsible government, by pressuring our businesses to adopt better practices, etc), as well as in how we as individuals carry on our daily lives (eg., not wearing fur, making some personal sacrifices and buying more expensive items that are made in the USA).
2 months ago
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At the moment, the USA owes China AND India a tonne of money!!!
Another food for thought: even if you think that what you are buying is not made in China, chances are that at least some parts of the product are of Chinese origin. I was watching a segment on CNN a month ago, where they said that even clothes hangers sold in the USA are being manufactured in China!! At this point, it is very hard to avoid Chinese-made products.
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http://www.puppybeef.com
/www.kittybeef.com/
How sick is that.
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Just check it out.
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So often we have been told that we are interfering in another country's culture however the point seems to have been missed totally by the Asians. The dogs they are importing belong to our "culture" for want of a better word. Culture actually has nothing to do with food - this is cuisine so therefore we are more than entitled to fight to protect OUR animals. This is a totally unique situation. Never before in the history of the world have OUR pets been exported for food. Let us then all band together and do whatever we can to fight this abhorrent situation. Remember!!!! The Koreans are teaching the Chinese how to breed and slaughter the dogs!