Survey Reveals Unpopularity of Dog Meat Consumption in Yulin, China
A recent survey from two animal rights organizations highlights that dog meat consumption is widely frowned upon in Yulin, China. This revelation comes ahead of the annual dog meat festival, where thousands of dogs are publicly slaughtered in a controversial tradition tied to the summer solstice.
Proponents of the Yulin Dog Meat and Lychee Festival, which is set to commence on June 20 this year, maintain that this event is deeply rooted in local customs, claiming that consuming dog meat helps combat the sweltering summer heat. However, experts from Humane World for Animals have pointed out that the festival only began in 2010 and mainly serves a small group of enthusiasts rather than reflecting a broad cultural practice.
One expert mentioned that “Chinese dog meat consumption is primarily supply-driven by traders, rather than arising from household demand,” suggesting that dog meat is not a staple in the typical Chinese diet.
The festival has drawn criticism not just for its brutality, but also for the fact that many dogs are taken from homes and killed in public. In 2020, the Chinese government officially banned the breeding of dogs as livestock amid rising concerns over zoonotic diseases, particularly after the origins of the coronavirus were linked to the illegal wildlife trade.
Despite this, there’s still a noticeable lack of public outrage regarding dog breeding practices. A survey conducted by Humane World for Animals, in partnership with the Chinese group Vshine, found that 87.5% of Yulin residents reported they “never or rarely” consume dog or cat meat. Additionally, 88% stated that banning the trade would not impact their daily lives.
Only a small fraction—12.5%—indicated that they would eat dog or cat meat on a regular basis. This raises questions about who exactly the intended consumers are, particularly given the diminishing interest from Chinese tourists during the festival.
The initial audience for the event appears to have shifted, as traders once relied on tourists for sales. However, as the graphic nature of the event became more widely known, support dwindled. Since 2014, local authorities have noticeably distanced themselves from the festival.
State media initially defended the event, even celebrating it in English-language publications. In 2014, one outlet claimed that the festival was a traditional phenomenon that had been practiced since ancient times. Over time, however, this view changed dramatically as Western activists, including celebrities, launched campaigns against the festival, starting in 2015.
While there were rumors in 2017 about the festival’s cancellation, reports of the event continue to surface, demonstrating its persistent, albeit controversial, occurrence.
An expert noted that while the dog meat trade represents only a tiny fraction of China’s economy, it is still seen as a means of providing jobs for unskilled workers in rural areas. This reliance on the trade complicates efforts to transition these workers to more humane occupations.
Still, success stories exist. For instance, the recent ban on the dog meat industry in South Korea, celebrated by many, shows that such practices can be dismantled with government support for alternative livelihoods.
In conclusion, systemic changes could eliminate this practice, emphasizing the need for action from the Chinese government to assist those involved in the dog meat trade in finding sustainable alternatives.
