LETTER TO PROF. CHANGJIWEN RE. ANIMAL PROTECTION LAW

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Professor Chang Jiwen Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Institute of Law 15 Shatan Bei Jie Beijing People's Republic of China 100720 Email: changjiwenlaw@yahoo.com.cn Mobile telephone: +86 15810477742 Dear Sir, I would like to congratulate you for dedicating yourself to the daunting task of producing the Animal Protection Law Code in China. Your compassion and great humanity will be a historical mark in Chinese history for years to come, and you shall be remembered with much affection and admiration. I understand that you are still working to finalize this magnificent document, and that time is of the essence for you to receive comments from concerned animal caring people. This is, therefore, why I am writing you. In reading the document, I did not see any item addressing the horrific suffering of cats and dogs which are tortured before being killed for food in China. As you know, cats and dogs have become integral parts in the lives of families, children, and bring immense happiness to senior citizens worldwide, and largely in China as well. It is unconscionable that these very same animals so beloved by people can also be used in such perverse manner. Newspapers worldwide report about the extreme torture of cats and dogs that are skinned or boiled alive by butchers in Guandong, and other areas in China. Thousands of cats and dogs are sold to restaurants. Most of the cats come from different provinces where cat nappers have become infamous all over China. The shocking side of this story that's making human beings all over the world shiver with indignation is that cats are skinned and dismembered alive, and still alive when thrown into boiling water to finally finish a most hellish suffering with their last breath. ACCORDING TO ANIMAL PEOPLE IN CHINA: "Under the present law code, pet owners would be obligated to register & micro chip their cat or dog so as to prevent thieves from stealing them to sell to restaurants, a common practice in China. It would identify the stolen pets. But here is the harsh reality: There are thousands of homeless cats and dogs, many living in the wilderness (which should be considered part of nature, and they also make a contribution to the Eco balance); others are stray pets living in the streets in residential areas where kindhearted people take care of these strays everywhere. Therefore, these strays should be considered as their pets. These animals are constantly snatched to be taken to restaurants, altogether with pets that actually have loving homes. Additionally, the present law code not only cannot protect these homeless pets, but also make it rather difficult for rescuers to adopt them.Take as an example a cat caring individual: The largest number of cats that one is allowed to keep is 10 cats per person while the need is for each person to take care of as many as possible. Some people look after hundreds of them. VERY IMPORTANT: Even if the pets are micro chipped, it will be impossible for pet owners to protect their pets from the thieves, because when a pet owner misses his/her pet it is already miles away heading to restaurant butchers. Pet owners in China cannot claim their right regarding their stolen pets as the police do not take them seriously, and pet thieves are considered petty criminals and receive no punishment. Therefore only a law code that prohibits eating cats and dogs can ultimately change the present horrific cruelty inflicted upon these defenseless companion animals. " It is with profound distress that I am writing to you, begging that you include in the Animal Protection Law Code in China, total prohibition to eating cats and dogs. The vileness of this practice is certainly not a postcard that China would want for the world to see. It is because of practices of a minority that the important and rich Chinese culture has become so stained and repudiated by many people worldwide. Most countries have adhered to humane laws to protect the most defenseless members of their societies: the animals, with special attention to animal companions. Quoting General Secretary HuJintao on December 18, 2008 commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the reform: "the spiritual poverty is not socialism," can be translated also for non-humans as these practices are certainly a great poverty of spirit and one that will bring shame to the Chinese civilization. It is now a good opportunity to follow on his Excellency Hu Jintao's footsteps to a rich and spiritual socialism. Please help make it so that these atrocities are investigated, and any food and beverage that is based on cruelty be forbidden, that animal companions for food be immediately outlawed.
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