Shenzhen permanently bans wildlife trade for consumption
News
The populous city of Shenzhen, China has permanently banned the farming and trade of wild animals for consumption purpose including the eating of dogs and cats.
Image: Nicky Loh / World Animal Protection
It’s now more critical than ever that we all come together and call for an end to the exploitation of wild animals and stop the global wildlife trade.
The coronavirus is believed to have started in a wet market in Wuhan, China. These types of markets have a higher risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans because of poor hygiene and close contact.
Kelly Dent, Global Director of External Engagement for World Animal Protection said:
“We welcome the decision by The People’s Congress of Shenzhen, China to permanently ban the farming and trade of wild animals and dogs and cats for consumption.
“This permanent ban will help to keep people safe and protect animals from unnecessary suffering. However, if deadly outbreaks are to be prevented in future, we need to see this ban extended to include the use of wild animals for entertainment, for traditional medicine and as exotic pets.
“The coronavirus pandemic is the latest wake-up call that we must end the cruel exploitation of animals.
“We now cannot ignore the dangers of eating wild animals, using them as medicine, exploiting them in the name of entertainment or keeping them as pets.”
There is no better time for governments, corporates and people to unite to curb the use of wild animals for entertainment, food, medicine or to be kept as exotic pets.
Let’s do it for animals, for us and for our planet.
“We now cannot ignore the dangers of eating wild animals, using them as medicine, exploiting them in the name of entertainment or keeping them as pets.