This City in China is Working to Build a Future Where Everyone Lives in Harmony With Dogs and Cats

We have great news to share! Shijiazhuang city in China has started a program that will ensure dogs are treated with respect, while also reducing stray animals and potential animal abuse.

This inspiring city has started awareness campaigns to help people learn proper protocol for caring for pets and city authorities have also established an animal shelter with essential equipment to care for strays. This awesome initiative was created in response to a growing interest in keeping companion animals, which is occurring all across China, and was made possible with the help of Animals Asia.

According to Animals Asia, city authorities in Shijiazhuang launched a responsible ownership drive to spread awareness of how to be a good dog guardian. As part of the drive, they gave out leaflets, offered free vet consultations – and dog license consultation booths were set up and Animals Asia’s promotional film “Cat and Dog Welfare Around Us” was played for all to see.

Animals Asia

This program shines a positive light on the many compassionate animal lovers across China who are working to end animal cruelty. In addition to this program in Shijiazhuang, Animals Asia has helped start similar dog and cat welfare programs in at least 18 other cities across the country.

Unfortunately, most often, China gets a bad reputation because of the infamous Yulin dog meat festival, but in truth, the majority of Chinese citizens do not agree with the dog meat trade and have actively been working to end this barbaric practice. With news that over a hundred restaurants in China have been ordered to either close or stop selling dog meat because of the illegality in their business dealings, there are signs that progress is happening.

It’s important we continue the momentum in enacting change for animals. With over 10 million dogs believed to be slaughtered for their meat in China annually, we can’t slow down. Animals Asia is encouraging people to sign a letter in Support of the dedicated citizens in China tirelessly fighting to end the dog meat trade. The letter will go directly to the Chinese government and will show that thousands of people around the globe stand with the animals lovers in China in calling for a ban.

To read the full letter and to show you stand in solidarity with Chinese animal lovers, please click here. And be sure to send this post to everyone you know. We are one step closer to a world where all animals are seen as what they are: living, thinking beings.

Lead image source: seaternity/Flickr