This will be the first in a series of posts on this topic. Some of you may appreciate knowing about such things so you can do something about it. Some of you may turn away and be upset that this blog is touching on such unhappy events. In the end my intent is to educate.
As quoted in Oprah Attacks Puppy Mills, “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals” and by that I stand. The treatment of animals sits in the heart of every country and it is up to every single human on this earth to respect others who live on this planet with us. We are all in this together.
It is a well-known fact that all countries contain cultural differences that are present in the way they eat, live, legislate, believe, love and learn.
In the case of animals…
As far back as 1910, Italy passed laws to protect the abuse of farm animals (Italian Animal Cruelty), has a ban on cruel goldfish bowls and asks the public to treat dogs like kids. Canadian legislation exists to protect “most” animals against abuse or neglect – albeit not a perfect one (read up on Bill S-203 just instated. Animal activists are not happy and are still aiming for Bill C-373). In the US, legislation is getting better, but there are 6 states that are without felony provisions. With the exception of an old leftover law from the British rule in Hong Kong and Sinapore, China is the opposite. To mirror this differentiation there is no law there that protects animals against cruelty or inhumane slaughter. According to the Asian Animal Protection Agency, “There appears to be a cultural assumption that animals are either incapable of suffering or, if they do, that it doesn’t matter.”
A look at the exportation of Chinese agricultural products in January-February of 2007 shows that Shandong, Guangdong and Liaoning exported the most agricultural products respectively. Guangzhou is the capital city of Guangdong and is the most populous city in the province and the 3rd most populated metropolitan area in China with over 10 million people. Guangzhou is also known as the “dog eating capital of China”…
Those without a strong stomach are discouraged from clicking to view this picture of a dog hanging in a Chinese market.
The next article will show specific examples of the Chinese treatment of agricultural products/animals.
7 responses so far ↓
1 andrea // Apr 10, 2008 at 8:49 am
rock on hippie chick! Luv this and think you are a super-hero!
I hope 8 trillion-squillion people read your blog and do something about this unacceptable and deplorable practice….
keep it going. you are on a roll!
2 Tim Ramsey // Apr 10, 2008 at 8:59 am
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog.
Tim Ramsey
3 Angel // Apr 10, 2008 at 5:07 pm
You are telling us about really important things! Thank you so much! Shame on us, didn’t paying attention to these problems.
4 Kelev // Apr 16, 2008 at 4:41 am
Mazel tov - for bringing the terrible suffering of animals in China to people’s attention. The extent of cruelty inflicted upon animals, especially dogs and cats who are tortured, hanged, bludgeoned to death, for consumption or fur is the most heartbreaking issue for anyone who loves dogs/cats. Man’s Best Friend gets a bum deal in America OFTEN, but China, Asia appears to have no heart, no compassion or mercy on these wonderful animals. Too sad for words. We must continue to speak out for these creatures - Don’t turn away! Thanks again.
5 It’s What’s On The Outside That Counts. // Apr 21, 2008 at 11:14 am
[...] Continuation from Do We Not Bleed? A Look At China’s Treatment of Animals and Cruelty [...]
6 The Truth About Uggs Is Ughly. // Feb 20, 2009 at 9:33 pm
[...] you answer NO, then STOP BUYING UGGS AUSTRALIA and read Do We Not Bleed? A Look At China’s Treatment of Animals, Cruelty Inc and It’s What’s On The Outside That Counts to see [...]
7 Educated // Jan 20, 2010 at 5:02 pm
I like how you try to gain sympathy/attention with that pic. It is simple shock value. The way the chinese eat dogs is the same thing we do with other animals like cows, chickens, etc. Just a different animal. In fact, the chinese frown upon the fact that americans eat things like rabbits and squirrels.
The marketing of this dog is a little unusual…generally Americans like their meat to be processed and displayed neatly, so we are not reminded of the fact that we are eating a once live being. Nevertheless, to criticize the chinese for their treatment and consumption of dogs is hypocritical and ignorant.
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