The efforts of millions of animal advocates is finally starting to pay off after years of exposing and opposing the horrors of the dog meat trade in some Asian countries. In particular, the annual Dog Meat Festival in Yulin, China — in which 10,000-15,000 dogs are tortured and slaughtered over 10 days — has come under heat. But the Duo Duo Project, which is dedicated to ending the dog meat trade in China, has just announced some news that’s about to change everything.
According to an announcement they released on May 16th, 2017, the sale of dog meat will be banned beginning June 15th, nearly a week before the Yulin Festival traditionally starts.
Express UK reports that the new law will be “strictly enforced.” (Warning: the article linked contains graphic images from past festivals.) The article states that consequences include fines of 100,000 Chinese Yuan (or about $14,500) and possible jail time.
In addition to the cruelty suffered by animals, the conditions of the trade are unsanitary. Animals cramped in small, filthy cages allow for the spread of disease, which affects the meat and whoever eats it.
The passing of this new law follows the ban of dog slaughter and butchering in South Korea’s largest dog meat market, which passed in December 2016. These laws, which are huge steps forward in the realm of animal rights, is the result of the hard work set forth by animal advocacy groups, protestors, financial donators, and petition-signers (which very well may include you).
According to the story by Express UK, the late Carrie Fisher, along with Frenchie pup Gary, were part of last year’s gathering to present an epic petition to the Chinese government.
