Who we are
Our history Financials Impact report Work with us
What we do
Campaigns Victories Investigations Education Corporate outreach Legal advocacy
Issues
Meat Fish Eggs Dairy
Get involved
Take action Volunteer Love Veg Donate Legacy giving Your portal
Resources
News Blog Our magazine Media center Search Contact
Donate
Menu
Who we are
What we do
Issues
Get involved
Resources
Donate

Jackson Galaxy calls for an end to the cat and dog meat trade

End the Cat and Dog Meat Trade

To the attention of:

President Xi Jinping Premier Li Keqiang Minister of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Han Changfu Minister in charge of the National Health Commission Ma Xiaowei

In the latest investigation from international animal protection organization Animal Equality, animals in China’s wet markets were documented suffering from physical and psychological torture, including dogs and cats, who are slaughtered for their meat and fur. More than 10 million dogs and 4 million cats are killed every year in China, and the cruelty of this practice is unjustifiable and unacceptable. By signing this petition, I am asking the Chinese government to ban the trade and consumption of cat and dog meat and fur and permanently end this abusive industry.

In solidarity,

Dog in crate

{firstname}, thank you! Your signature has the power to change the world.

If you want to stop this cruel trade, please help by sharing this petition with anyone you know who cares about animals: They can’t defend themselves, but we can stand up for them!

Share this action

Dog,Dog breed,Iris,Whiskers,Companion dog,Snout

An error occurred, please try again later

Together, we can make a real difference for cats and dogs. Sign the petition today!

Read the petition

SHARE THE PETITION

Dog and cat meat: Our latest investigation in China

Earlier in 2020, after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we returned to China. Together with a group of courageous local activists, we documented that dogs and cats are still traded for human consumption, despite media reports and statements from the Chinese government claiming otherwise. In fact, dogs and cats continue to be bred or kidnapped from families and killed and eaten in many parts of the country.

In our latest investigation, we went to wet markets in Liuzhou-Nanhuan, Liuzhou Quianjin, and Guilin-Ximen, where caged dogs and cats—and their bodies—were displayed for consumers who wanted to buy freshly killed meat.

Although China removed dogs from the list of animals considered to be “livestock,” there is no official ban on the consumption of cat and dog meat throughout the country. Some cities, such as Shenzen and Zhuhai, have imposed official bans but only in the areas under their jurisdiction. Today, more than 10 million dogs and 4 million cats are forced to live in cages and suffer agonizing deaths for meat consumption in China.

As the footage we captured shows, there is still much work to be done to end this cruel industry and we will not rest until the trade of cats and dogs is banned for good.

When our investigators arrived at the wet markets of Liuzhou-Nanhuan, Liuzhou Quianjin, and Guilin-Ximen, they immediately found dogs and cats stuck in cages stacked on top of each other. Most of these animals are stolen from backyards and loving homes, while a small number are bred specifically for food purposes.
Cats and dogs will remain confined until they’re violently removed by the market’s butchers. The animals are immobilized with iron tongs, pulled out of cages, and beaten with a metal bar before ultimately being killed to be sold as “fresh meat” to customers.
The dogs and cats that remain are forced to watch as their animal companions are slaughtered, boiled, skinned, and then sold. Every year more than 10 million dogs and 4 million cats are killed for their meat and fur in China.
In 2020, the Chinese government declared that it would remove dogs from the list of animals considered “livestock.” However, to protect these animals, an official ban on the consumption of cat and dog meat and its enforcement are required.

Investigating the dog meat trade since 2013

Starting in 2013, Animal Equality began documenting the cat and dog meat and skin trade.

Our investigators, with the help and support of local activists, have conducted 6 different investigations over the years, documenting the appalling reality for dogs and cats. Our cameras have repeatedly shown the world the exploitation of these animals.

Thanks to the pressure generated by our investigations, we’ve seen tremendous progress over the years. Our work in China has led authorities to close 33 dog and cat meat markets and one slaughterhouse, news that has resonated around the world.

This is just the beginning. Together, we can make a real difference for cats and dogs. Sign the petition today!

Puppy bred for meat in a dog farm in China.

Looking into the eyes of a terrified cat or dog is one of the most devastating moments I experience in my work. I’ll never be able to forget this cruelty.

Marco
Undercover investigator
Animal Equality
World map with Animal Equality offices

Let’s End ANIMAL Cruelty

Animal Equality is an international organization working with society, governments, and companies to end cruelty to farmed animals.

Our investigations are a fundamental pillar within our mission to create a world where all animals are protected and respected.