It’s time to celebrate!
At long last, the practice of eating dog (and cat) meat in Taiwan has been banned. This has been a long struggle, beginning with the prohibition of selling dog and cat meat and ending now with an outright ban of consuming meat from these beloved animals.
Although the rumors of dog meat on Chinese street corners is widely known, the reality is that dog meat in China, and other Asian countries, is actually a rare delicacy of sorts. It would be an impossible stretch to assume that most Asians have eaten dog meat, even in areas where dog meat is rumored to be common. Perhaps this is why the Yulin dog meat festival is so popular in Asian culture: some believe that eating the meat will provide strength and virility, and will help keep one cool in hot summer months.
Of course, this idea is ridiculous. However, it doesn’t prevent the horrific treatment and butchering of thousands of dogs annually at the Yulin festival, which has attracted millions of attendees thus far. Despite furious opposition, the tradition has continued.
It is for this reason that the ban on dog and cat meat in Taiwan is such a big deal. Anyone found guilty of selling or eating pet meat can be fined up to $8,200. In addition, the Taiwan Animal Protection Law promises penalties for a number of animal rights violations, such as animal fighting, trading or breeding animals without a permit, or otherwise abusing or murdering pets or experimental animals. We have Taiwan’s new president, Tsai Ing-wen to thank for the progressive legislature.
Animal lovers everywhere are celebrating this victory, and we hope that it will set a precedent for other Asian countries. Indeed, many areas are seeing a decline in the purchase and consumption of pet-sourced meats due to the condemnation it receives from younger individuals. This is a hopeful sign that millennials will usher in a new age of animal rights all over the world.
On a brighter note, countless dogs have been rescued from the past Yulin festivals and are receiving medical treatment in the hopes that they will soon be adopted out to loving homes. One particularly adorable dog, named DD, is up for adoption now. See his story here and spread the word to help him find his forever home.
