Posted on 06/25/2013 4:18:44 PM PDT by Colonel Kangaroo
BEIJING -- For animal lovers in China, the week seemed to bring one discouraging headline after another. First, tourists in a southern resort reportedly manhandled a stranded dolphin and took photos with it rather than immediately call for help; the mammal later died.
Then, customs authorities announced that they had caught two men trying to smuggle more than 200 bear paws into the country from Russia; the feet are considered a delicacy in some parts of China.
On Friday, the southern city of Yulin went ahead with a dog meat festival, over the objection of activists who complained many of the table-bound canines were abducted strays and pets being slaughtered at unlicensed butcheries.
All three episodes provoked intense attention, both on news websites and on Weibo, China's version of Twitter; a pro-dog demonstration was even held Thursday in Beijing, with protesters in colorful animal costumes dancing in a plaza in support of the Yulin canines.
The strong reactions illustrated the growing concern for animal welfare among the Chinese populace, heartening animal activists. Yet, at least in the case of the dog meat festival, they also pointed up lingering tensions with those who say new attitudes are threatening some cultural traditions.
“Thousands of dogs will be eaten at a dog meat festival in Yulin,” wrote one Weibo user, Yu Jichun. “As long as such a festival still exists in China, this country can't start talk about becoming civilized.”
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
They’re just a gross country. Sorry.
They are also responsible for the depletion of many of the big cats in this world, because they pay poachers for tiger parts for their voo doo eastern medicine “cures”.
Well their all animal lovers! Some just like theirs cooked.
Okay, I’m sorry, really in poor taste. I know theirs is a different culture than mine, but still there are some animals you just don’t eat.
Hahahahaha!!!!!!!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.