The Yulin Festival has taken place for too long, it needs to be shut down for good. Looking at what's taking place from different perspectives sheds some light on the situation but doesn't make it acceptable. The Yulin residents participating in the inhumane slaughter of mans best friend view what they're doing as no different from what Americans are doing to farm animals. Those who aren't vegetarians but are opposed to what's taking place are labeled as hypocrites. I guess a solution to this problem would be to stop eating animals altogether but you and I know that will never happen. Despite all of these opinions, the way that the dogs in this festival are handled is sickening. No dog deserves to be stolen, dragged, beaten, boiled alive, and so on simply to be eaten. Imagine an innocent animal who's only known his loving family being forcefully thrust into this situation while he can do nothing but feel terror at what is to come. Absolutely no living creature deserves this, they deserve love. We need to put an end to this cruel event and make these people understand that what they're doing is horrifying. To conclude, we are these animals voice and we have to use it for what's right!
4
Dog is shepherd's best friend because dog helps the shepherd guard the livestock in nomadic cultures, including Judeo-Christian cultures.
Buffalo is rice-farmer's best friend because buffalo helps the rice farmer till the paddy field in rice-farming cultures. To this date, a large number of descendants of rice farmers don't eat any steak.
Banning animal cruelty is respectable. Respect for other cultures is wise. But banning eating dog or steak is not wise.
Buffalo is rice-farmer's best friend because buffalo helps the rice farmer till the paddy field in rice-farming cultures. To this date, a large number of descendants of rice farmers don't eat any steak.
Banning animal cruelty is respectable. Respect for other cultures is wise. But banning eating dog or steak is not wise.
5
Pretty sure Chinese people eat steak, pretty sure Chinese people have dogs as pets, pretty sure westerners eat steaks, pretty sure westerners don't need to eat dogs.
Not everything has to be cultural to be right or wrong. Stealing pets to eat is like post apocalyptic stuff.
Not everything has to be cultural to be right or wrong. Stealing pets to eat is like post apocalyptic stuff.
1
Dog is shepherd's best friend because dog helps the shepherd guard the livestock in nomadic cultures, including Judeo-Christian cultures.
Buffalo is rice-farmer's best friend because buffalo helps the rice farmer till the paddy field in rice-farming cultures. To this date, a large number of descendants of rice farmers don't eat any steak.
Respect for other cultures is wise. Telling other people not to eat dog or steak is not wise.
Buffalo is rice-farmer's best friend because buffalo helps the rice farmer till the paddy field in rice-farming cultures. To this date, a large number of descendants of rice farmers don't eat any steak.
Respect for other cultures is wise. Telling other people not to eat dog or steak is not wise.
The Dog is unique in the animal kingdom in that it evolved as a species by befriending humans, ~30,000 years ago (long before humans began to domesticate certain animals as livestock). Brain scan studies show that the Dog’s brain is uniquely wired to bond with human beings. In fact, the Dog is the only species on earth that is genetically wired to relate to us as its family member (preferring the companionship of human beings over that of its own kind, even), to read our emotions (dogs are the only animal, outside of humans, shown to have this ability), to process speech like we do as well as our voices and our faces, to empathize with us, and to interpret our gestures (dogs do this better than chimps, in fact), read our intent and understand our point of view to some extent. Dogs are also the only species that when frightened or anxious, instinctively run to humans for comfort; horses and cats, by contrast, run away. Notice that puppies are instantly drawn to humans; their biological impulses cause them to seek out humans for affection, care and protection, like a family member. An animal that is biologically programmed to view us as its kin, we should not resign to the dinner plate. Or have we no shame?
6
Krista,
Very well written... It is also so True!!! Thank you
Very well written... It is also so True!!! Thank you
You all realize we kill millions of cats and dogs in our animal shelters every year right? Where is the outrage for this?
5
There's outrage, but more importantly action, concerning the treatment of companion animals in the U.S.
Try an internet search for the Humane Society U.S., Mercy for Animals, or animal shelters or animal rescues and you'll see we're everywhere in the U.S.
Most U.S. states/municipalities have laws against animal torture (if not minimal standard of care laws - which, maddeningly, are fought against by the agriculture lobby) so gouging out dog eyes, etc. is prosecutable here. Evidently the same can't be said for the city of Yulin in China.
Try an internet search for the Humane Society U.S., Mercy for Animals, or animal shelters or animal rescues and you'll see we're everywhere in the U.S.
Most U.S. states/municipalities have laws against animal torture (if not minimal standard of care laws - which, maddeningly, are fought against by the agriculture lobby) so gouging out dog eyes, etc. is prosecutable here. Evidently the same can't be said for the city of Yulin in China.
Don't bann eating dogs. Enforce laws banning animal cruelty.
Know the difference.
Know the difference.
3
"Don't ban eating dogs. Enforce laws banning animal cruelty." is an enlightened statement.
For vegans, you may want to learn about the rise and fall of Buddhist-related vegetarianism in Chinese history. During the golden era of Buddhism in China over a thousand years ago, there were probably more vegetarians in China than anywhere else. It also led to the invention of tofu in China as a substitute of meat.
Today, there are still vegetarian Buddhist monks and nuns in China who support the monasteries by cooking vegetarian dishes to visitors in exchange for alms. There are also vegetarian restaurants run by lay people all over China. If you look, you can also find Chinese vegetarian restaurants in major US cities.
For vegans, you may want to learn about the rise and fall of Buddhist-related vegetarianism in Chinese history. During the golden era of Buddhism in China over a thousand years ago, there were probably more vegetarians in China than anywhere else. It also led to the invention of tofu in China as a substitute of meat.
Today, there are still vegetarian Buddhist monks and nuns in China who support the monasteries by cooking vegetarian dishes to visitors in exchange for alms. There are also vegetarian restaurants run by lay people all over China. If you look, you can also find Chinese vegetarian restaurants in major US cities.
1
All animals eventually die. That's a fact of life.
It's how they live and why and how they die or are killed that is deeply evil in this situation. Any farm animal deserves the utmost consideration for its capacity to suffer fear. Dogs occupy a special level above that, having forged a special bond and trust with humans for millennia.
I have seen the pictures of deliberate torture, quite apart from the appalling treatment of the dogs prior to killing. Dogs lying tied up with their paws cut off under the pretense that fear and suffering makes the meat more "tasty".
To add grievous insult, the dogs and cats killed are sometimes someone's beloved pet, stolen and sold in this market, forced to look upon the butchery taking place and anticipate their own murder.
What kind of culture pretends such cruelty at such a barbaric scale and depravity is a "festival"? What kind of people do this with no thought to the pain involved?
Agribusiness in this country and elsewhere in Europe engages in behaviors that we must continue to put pressure on to stop. The work to be done to change business models and improve conditions is nearly overwhelming but ongoing.
By contrast, this "festival" is a celebration of cruelty rather than simply a tolerance for it, perpetrated upon man's best friend (a loyal, trusting, intelligent, and highly emotional animal) and at least an order of magnitude more disgusting and reprehensible.
It's how they live and why and how they die or are killed that is deeply evil in this situation. Any farm animal deserves the utmost consideration for its capacity to suffer fear. Dogs occupy a special level above that, having forged a special bond and trust with humans for millennia.
I have seen the pictures of deliberate torture, quite apart from the appalling treatment of the dogs prior to killing. Dogs lying tied up with their paws cut off under the pretense that fear and suffering makes the meat more "tasty".
To add grievous insult, the dogs and cats killed are sometimes someone's beloved pet, stolen and sold in this market, forced to look upon the butchery taking place and anticipate their own murder.
What kind of culture pretends such cruelty at such a barbaric scale and depravity is a "festival"? What kind of people do this with no thought to the pain involved?
Agribusiness in this country and elsewhere in Europe engages in behaviors that we must continue to put pressure on to stop. The work to be done to change business models and improve conditions is nearly overwhelming but ongoing.
By contrast, this "festival" is a celebration of cruelty rather than simply a tolerance for it, perpetrated upon man's best friend (a loyal, trusting, intelligent, and highly emotional animal) and at least an order of magnitude more disgusting and reprehensible.
11
'Man's best friend' from your cultural perspective. Chinese participating in this event clearly don't share your attitude towards dogs.
Think about all the cows, chicken, pigs, etc. etc. being butchered in thousands everyday. Oh, they don't deserve recognition because they're less intelligent than dogs.
Animal cruelty is a thing that should be stopped. No debate necessary. However, preferring one animal group over another is a cultural misconception and shows your ignorance of other cultures' attitudes.
Think about all the cows, chicken, pigs, etc. etc. being butchered in thousands everyday. Oh, they don't deserve recognition because they're less intelligent than dogs.
Animal cruelty is a thing that should be stopped. No debate necessary. However, preferring one animal group over another is a cultural misconception and shows your ignorance of other cultures' attitudes.
2
Antionia,
You failed to grasp Harley's comment. He clearly meant abuse of ANY animal is cruelty.
We now know every living being, even plants, feels at least stress if not outright pain. Fish feel pain. That being known, any animal raised to be eaten deserves to be treated well in life then killed in a merciful manner.
You failed to grasp Harley's comment. He clearly meant abuse of ANY animal is cruelty.
We now know every living being, even plants, feels at least stress if not outright pain. Fish feel pain. That being known, any animal raised to be eaten deserves to be treated well in life then killed in a merciful manner.
2
Heartened to see some posts asking why cows, pigs and other animals are somehow exempt from animal cruelty, but please don't stop at just posting an opinion. Please write a letter or an article and submit it to NYT for publication. I plan to do that and if enough of us write about this they might publish one of ours
Also please do not forget that fishing and hunting are cruel also. Imagine a hook being put thru your jaw and getting yanked around and you know now how a fish might feel
Bird hunters lie in wait and shoot off in the air randomly when a flock rises or passes by. The "lucky" birds get shot in the heart and die a quick death but the unlucky ones get shot in the wing or leg, fall to the ground and die a slow, painful death. Back in the nest, their young get to starve to death, all the while crying for mommy
And oh yes let's not forget male baby chicks thrown into the shredder to be cut to pieces! Babies being cut to pieces!
Somehow not one of these organisations think that is inhumane and cruel - go figure
Also please do not forget that fishing and hunting are cruel also. Imagine a hook being put thru your jaw and getting yanked around and you know now how a fish might feel
Bird hunters lie in wait and shoot off in the air randomly when a flock rises or passes by. The "lucky" birds get shot in the heart and die a quick death but the unlucky ones get shot in the wing or leg, fall to the ground and die a slow, painful death. Back in the nest, their young get to starve to death, all the while crying for mommy
And oh yes let's not forget male baby chicks thrown into the shredder to be cut to pieces! Babies being cut to pieces!
Somehow not one of these organisations think that is inhumane and cruel - go figure
5
“But images of dogs being beaten and gutted in Yulin marketplaces have ignited outrage around the world,”
Is this the basis for the rather outrageous charges of tortured dogs and cats? Hitting a dog is not uncommon anywhere but the merchants are butcher and do kill the animals and hang them up for display in a skinned condition. Shocking?
When I wished to have my lambs butchered I used to have a very gentile lady butcher do it for me. She would place the lamb sitting on the ground in her lap, stroke it a few times and they slash its neck while humming to it. End of story.
Is this the basis for the rather outrageous charges of tortured dogs and cats? Hitting a dog is not uncommon anywhere but the merchants are butcher and do kill the animals and hang them up for display in a skinned condition. Shocking?
When I wished to have my lambs butchered I used to have a very gentile lady butcher do it for me. She would place the lamb sitting on the ground in her lap, stroke it a few times and they slash its neck while humming to it. End of story.
1
Imagine putting a hook thru your dog's jaw and yanking it around. Think the dog will howl in pain? Try imagining the hook put thru YOUR own jaw - isn't it painful just thinking about it?
Yes so many millions think fishing is sooo much fun?
Yes so many millions think fishing is sooo much fun?
2
edited
“But images of dogs being beaten and gutted in Yulin marketplaces have ignited outrage around the world,”
Is this the basis for the rather outrageous charges of tortured dogs and cats? Hitting a dog is not uncommon anywhere but the merchants are butcher and do kill the animals and hang them up for display in a skinned condition. Shocking?
When I wished to have my lambs butchered I used to have a very gentle lady butcher do it for me. She would place the lamb sitting on the ground in her lap, stroke it a few times pull head and they slash its neck while humming to it. End of story. Meat does not always come in cellophane wraps.
“But images of dogs being beaten and gutted in Yulin marketplaces have ignited outrage around the world,”
Is this the basis for the rather outrageous charges of tortured dogs and cats? Hitting a dog is not uncommon anywhere but the merchants are butcher and do kill the animals and hang them up for display in a skinned condition. Shocking?
When I wished to have my lambs butchered I used to have a very gentle lady butcher do it for me. She would place the lamb sitting on the ground in her lap, stroke it a few times pull head and they slash its neck while humming to it. End of story. Meat does not always come in cellophane wraps.
3
“But images of dogs being beaten and gutted in Yulin marketplaces have ignited outrage around the world,”
Is this the basis for the rather outrageous charges of tortured dogs and cats?
If you do your research, you'll find that the torture that the animals are put through is so much more than being beaten or hit in your words. Animals are crucified yet kept alive for up to 40 days, they are strung up by a noose and then a blow torch applied to their bodies, their eyes are gouged out just to cause pain yet keep them alive, they are tossed in boiling water while alive, nailed to walls and them beaten and these are not the worst ways to die. Most often, death does not come quickly, yet it is strung out over a period of time, with the mistaken thought that cause pain and inducing fear and adrenaline make the meat taste better.
Is this the basis for the rather outrageous charges of tortured dogs and cats?
If you do your research, you'll find that the torture that the animals are put through is so much more than being beaten or hit in your words. Animals are crucified yet kept alive for up to 40 days, they are strung up by a noose and then a blow torch applied to their bodies, their eyes are gouged out just to cause pain yet keep them alive, they are tossed in boiling water while alive, nailed to walls and them beaten and these are not the worst ways to die. Most often, death does not come quickly, yet it is strung out over a period of time, with the mistaken thought that cause pain and inducing fear and adrenaline make the meat taste better.
3
who's reading this thinking "disgusting! savages!" while planning a steak or chicken dinner? Hypocrisy, Hypocrisy, Hypocrisy.
6
Personally I don't eat cat or dog meats. However, I wonder what would happen if people start similar petitions for pigs, cows, sheep, chicken.....? Will the dog lovers support those petitions too?
2
Sockv,
Yes we do support the humane treatment of ALL animals, even those raised to be eaten! We don't purchase factory farmed food, we support the work of the Humane Society and Mercy for Animals, we tell anyone who will listen the conditions under which those cows, pigs, chickens, etc. are raised.
Many of us don't eat meat at all.
Yes we do support the humane treatment of ALL animals, even those raised to be eaten! We don't purchase factory farmed food, we support the work of the Humane Society and Mercy for Animals, we tell anyone who will listen the conditions under which those cows, pigs, chickens, etc. are raised.
Many of us don't eat meat at all.
3
Just the fact that dogs are animals and cows are animals is not a complete justification. From what I've read, some of the dogs eaten at this festival are actually pets who are stolen. If this is true, it's just morally abhorrent. And if the animals are abused before they are slaughtered, it's just awful as well.
3
Having lived in both China and Korea, I learned that dog meat is always eaten in a stew. It is considered a powerful aphrodisiac, a natural Viagra if you will. Only certain breeds of dogs are butchered for their meat, not all dogs. No doubt it's an acquitted taste.
Hell is empty, and all the devils are here....Shakespeare
11
Sorry, I see no way that eating dogs, or cats, or tiger penises or any of the other absurd realities of certain parts of south China makes them anything but savages, plain and simple.
Raising dogs and cats for food or destroying endangered species (rhinos, tigers and many others) to consume their body parts is disgusting and should be outlawed.
Raising dogs and cats for food or destroying endangered species (rhinos, tigers and many others) to consume their body parts is disgusting and should be outlawed.
6
I guess the way we allow puppy mills to exists in our country, factory farming of pigs, etc. makes us babarians as well. How about the horses they eat in Europe and Canada, does that make them savages too?
This entire anti dog eating movement has incredible racist and colonialist over tones. These are the practices and traditions of a far different culture than our own. To say that China must stop this to join the "progressive" world is totally demeaning. Strive for humane slaughter, yes. But we must get over our prejudices, food is food, it just depends on where you live.
2
This sounds so reasonable on the face of it, yet completely misses the point.
They really do torture the dogs at this "festival". Check it out with a little research and then tell me how our racist,"collonial" attitudes are at play here.
They really do torture the dogs at this "festival". Check it out with a little research and then tell me how our racist,"collonial" attitudes are at play here.
6
That might be true but why don't we solve our own animal abuse problems as well (go check out your local aspca shelter). Most of the people commenting will probably forget about the issue next month and won't help to solve our own animal abuse problems. Let's close the puppy mills, factory farming, etc.
1
The festival is ridiculous, but dog meat is routinely found for sale in street markets in Northeastern Chinese cities, where there is a significant Korean population and where dog stew is popular especially in the winter. There is even a chain, "Kim's Korean Dog Meat Restaurant," with branches in several cities. It's disgusting to me to see dog sausages for sale but it is quite normal for most Chinese, even if they don't eat it.
Oh, those barbaric heathen Chinee! Boycott! Carpet bomb!
Those ignorant barbarians care only about people.
In civilized America, we value the sanctity of animal life. We consider the life of a zoo gorilla to be more important than that of a human child. We have laws that protect our pets from conditions fit only for incarcerated humans. Never would we subject animals to drone bombings, torture or the withering fire of an AC130 gunship.
Those ignorant barbarians care only about people.
In civilized America, we value the sanctity of animal life. We consider the life of a zoo gorilla to be more important than that of a human child. We have laws that protect our pets from conditions fit only for incarcerated humans. Never would we subject animals to drone bombings, torture or the withering fire of an AC130 gunship.
2
Care to look for videos on Animal farming right here in the US? Ah i see that you said pets - so, non-pets can be tortured without any problem? All the chinese have to do is to declare dogs and cats as non-pets and that would be ok?
1
Is there no end to the destructive harm that China is causing to the world's animals and ecosystems?
Just a couple of days ago, there was an article in the Times about the Chinese demand for bird saliva that was harming the swiftlet populations (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/10/world/what-in-the-world/a-chinese-deli.... Chinese demand for rhino horn, tiger bones and penises, elephant teeth, shark fins, bear bile, pangolin meat and more is leading to horrific animal abuses in some cases and dangerously high levels of poaching in others. Simply put, Chinese demand is driving rhinos, tigers, elephants, pangolins and some species of sharks towards extinction. And then there is this, the disgusting mistreatment, abuse and consumption of "man's best friend." Utterly disgusting.
Just a couple of days ago, there was an article in the Times about the Chinese demand for bird saliva that was harming the swiftlet populations (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/10/world/what-in-the-world/a-chinese-deli.... Chinese demand for rhino horn, tiger bones and penises, elephant teeth, shark fins, bear bile, pangolin meat and more is leading to horrific animal abuses in some cases and dangerously high levels of poaching in others. Simply put, Chinese demand is driving rhinos, tigers, elephants, pangolins and some species of sharks towards extinction. And then there is this, the disgusting mistreatment, abuse and consumption of "man's best friend." Utterly disgusting.
11
Didn't we kill our most of our buffalo and carrier pigeons?
There is plenty of evidence to show that dogs evolved in human companionship. There is a tie between the two species that goes back to the stone age. They're our buddies! For this reason, and regardless of whether one espouses a strict vegetarian diet or not, the eating of dogs is a gross and perverse outlier abomination that should be stopped at once.
6
I've eaten dogmeat in China and it's delicious.
Crush Western cultural imperialism! It's not your business to tell other people what animals to eat.
Crush Western cultural imperialism! It's not your business to tell other people what animals to eat.
2
Read the other comments or search Yulin dog festival torture to see videos of the horrible ways in which these dogs are literally tortured because the participants think stress hormones make the meat taste better.
If you're going to eat animals at least don't torture them (and yes that goes for factory farmed animals too)!!!
If you're going to eat animals at least don't torture them (and yes that goes for factory farmed animals too)!!!
3
A dog is an animal. The fact that some humans have an emotional relationship with their dog does not make eating dog meat any more or less ethical than eating any other meat.
4
We are also animals. Just a reminder. You should take that into account when you use that justification for torture and killing.
Cannibalism has a long storied past.
The Aztecs, among others, did it as a form of worship/celebration at the defeat of their enemies.
Get over it.
The Aztecs, among others, did it as a form of worship/celebration at the defeat of their enemies.
Get over it.
The worst thing about this festival is the belief among many of the "cooks" there, that torturing the dogs first will make the meat better. These poor animals are beaten, and often skinned and boiled alive. There's really no place for this kind of cruelty in a civilized society. And, for the record, I don't eat cows, pigs, turkeys, or chickens here in the US, because they undergo a different kind of torture to get to American kitchens and restaurants.
7
Save the pig. To this day I still miss our pet pig Patsy. Sniff.
Clean, and smarter than any dog. R.I.P. Patsy.
Ok,,, so what if we ate her,,,,she was still a nice pig.
Clean, and smarter than any dog. R.I.P. Patsy.
Ok,,, so what if we ate her,,,,she was still a nice pig.
1
I would propose to petition an addendum to the UN charter to include a
dog not to be eaten by human right clause and name the Chinese as the
violator of that clause. So the UN can pass sanctions on China!
dog not to be eaten by human right clause and name the Chinese as the
violator of that clause. So the UN can pass sanctions on China!
2
It is ignorance to say that Chinese people are "dog-meat" eaters because China, as a state, has over 50 ethnicities, of which Han is the major ethnic group, living within it. The majority of Chinese don't eat dog. Yulin, is located within an autonomous region of the Zhuang people. "Autonomous" region in China is akin to "Reservation" in the U.S., in that minorities living in the "Autonomous" region enjoy rights such as exemption from one-child policy and the traditions within the "Autonomous" regions are generally left only if these traditions don't threaten the state. Now, if the Chinese state is reluctant to stop indigenous traditions that offend Western sensibility, according to Bill Stones and other commenters, we do need to "civilize" these indigenous people and teach them what are acceptable and what are not acceptable as food.
I'm pretty appalled at the support of this festival in the comments. Yes, there is a difference between eating a fish or chicken and a dog. Dogs are some of the first animals domesticated by man and some say critical to human survival/evolution. They are highly intelligent - significantly more so than the other animals mentioned. Pig intelligence is a subject of debate but you don't see pigs, chickens, cows or fish working alongside man in the military, police forces, on farms, in search and rescue, so on and so forth.
And don't forget, this "festival" does not merely have people eating dogs, as though that wouldn't be bad enough. The dogs are deliberately tortured for prolonged periods of time. It is a cruel, sadistic event meant to stick a middle finger to the rest of the world. If a festival that had pigs brought to a state fair and brutally tortured before being cooked alive it wouldn't be permitted. Yet, that is exactly what they're doing here!
Long story short, there are videos directly from the event. Watch some of those if you have the stomach for it and reassess. And despite everything said above I absolutely support greater protections for animals used in farming generally. But if you're not outraged after researching this then something is fundamentally wrong with you.
And don't forget, this "festival" does not merely have people eating dogs, as though that wouldn't be bad enough. The dogs are deliberately tortured for prolonged periods of time. It is a cruel, sadistic event meant to stick a middle finger to the rest of the world. If a festival that had pigs brought to a state fair and brutally tortured before being cooked alive it wouldn't be permitted. Yet, that is exactly what they're doing here!
Long story short, there are videos directly from the event. Watch some of those if you have the stomach for it and reassess. And despite everything said above I absolutely support greater protections for animals used in farming generally. But if you're not outraged after researching this then something is fundamentally wrong with you.
14
So, basically dogs are different because they are useful to us? Your concern is whether they have done a good turn to us or not? So killing jews, because there is a history with the west, is wrong, but people being killed in far-away places that you do not know, is a-ok?
Your morals change with the situation?
As for your example of a pig being brought to a state fair and being tortured won't be permitted, what if it happens behind closed doors, like say an Animal factory - it is outrageous only if there is a picture that you can see. FYI plenty of pictures and videos ARE available on the internet - only if you care to look for them - sadly, i see that you don't
Your morals change with the situation?
As for your example of a pig being brought to a state fair and being tortured won't be permitted, what if it happens behind closed doors, like say an Animal factory - it is outrageous only if there is a picture that you can see. FYI plenty of pictures and videos ARE available on the internet - only if you care to look for them - sadly, i see that you don't
2
You misunderstand what he means by torture. Literally, he means torture. These dogs are blowtorched while alive. They are boiled alive. They have their feet chopped off while alive. This after enduring hours of beatings, skinnings, stranglings. There is nothing comparable in North American farming, except in perhaps the most depraved of individual, sociopathic circumstances. Google 'The Compassion Project' for video. Your soul will break into a million pieces.
2
I'm not a fan of Chinese food. It's the last resort for diners, unless you're indigent. They can eat whatever they want, including Fido, birds' nests and rhinoceros horn. But, as with their toxic industrial products and air pollution, I hope it stays in China for a while.
photos at other websites show dogs here first being burned alive by blowtorch or boiled alive in scalding oil as local tradition has it that such trauma increases the "vitality" of the meat to the diner. human capacity for inflicting pain on others never ceases to amaze.
10
As we speak, brave activists are fighting the Yulin dog meat festival. I have seen nightmarish video of children beating and torturing dogs as part of the Asian dog meat trade. It is barbaric and must stop. But, I have also seen barbarism that is equally mind-boggling in our own factory farms, where we raise billions of sentient beings called pigs and cows in conditions any feeling person would classify as industrialized torture. We castrate piglets without anesthesia. We cut off cow's tails, we sear the beaks off of chickens. Don't take my word for it. Watch Earthlings. Watch Meet Your Meat. Watch Farm to Fridge. All online. Then, look in the mirror.
12
So it seems that in the city of Yulin, some take their dogs out for a walk while others prefer to take their woks out for a dog!
2
Closer to home, (Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association) Dr. Peggy W. Larson speaks to rodeo's inherent cruelty to animals and how unconscionable in the 21st century it is to exploit domestic livestock as props (causing fear, catastrophic injury/death) in irrelevant vaudeville era circuses.
The most unwholesome of family entertainment watching tame animals being harassed with flankstraps, wrestled and slammed to the ground in time trials for prize money and silver buckles yet endorsed by many country music performers. The bully and the bystander- indictable by most regional animal welfare laws ironically and shameful for communities to boast tourism revenue/charity proceeds and corporate sponsorship (ie: Coca-Cola) on the broken backs of animals at these dystopian freakshows.
The most unwholesome of family entertainment watching tame animals being harassed with flankstraps, wrestled and slammed to the ground in time trials for prize money and silver buckles yet endorsed by many country music performers. The bully and the bystander- indictable by most regional animal welfare laws ironically and shameful for communities to boast tourism revenue/charity proceeds and corporate sponsorship (ie: Coca-Cola) on the broken backs of animals at these dystopian freakshows.
36
Your comment illustrates why I won't even watch horse racing. HBO aired a report on what happens to horses when they "retire" from the track. They're shipped to places like Mexico and slaughtered in a most inhumane fashion. Like my mother once said "Is there nothing on earth that humans will not exploit for a lousy buck?"
7
I guess I am in the minority here but a dog is an animal, like a chicken, a pig, or a cow. The same people outraged in this case eat other animals, maybe not dogs but animals nonetheless. It's a phony position typical of western arrogance and ignorance of other cultures.
27
Humans are animals too, but we don't eat humans either. Just because people eat certain animals, to conclude that we should also condone eating all other animals is absurd.
4
Charles you said it perfectly ignorant, are you living in Asia and trying to win the 2016 "open minded" award? This is sick, for the fact that dogs are typically a domesticated animal. Although I think all animals are getting wronged BIGTIME by getting slaughtered, overpowred and eaten, it's obvious that especially dogs & cats are the ones that (by far) live amongst humans in domesticated situations , by far, the most!
Your "typcical western arrogance and ignroance" statement is wrong and you are obviously too lazy to even read this article where it states "64% of CHINESE agreed that eating dogs should be banned"
Go back to the drawing table, read more, learn more, please study more as well, you clearly need it.
Your "typcical western arrogance and ignroance" statement is wrong and you are obviously too lazy to even read this article where it states "64% of CHINESE agreed that eating dogs should be banned"
Go back to the drawing table, read more, learn more, please study more as well, you clearly need it.
2
Yes, a dog is an animal. so are you. That's not the point. It may seem morally defensible to argue that all we should have animals around for is to eat them, but if you look around the world you will see that very few cultures eat dogs. They have been a particularly helpful friend of mankind for thousands of years, and they seem to have a rather unique spot in most cultures and are much loved.
Over my lifetime of 60 plus years I've come to see that all the sentient creatures we inhabit the planet with are no less deserving of our friendship and mercy. I wish that we all could quit eating meat for a variety of reasons, but I don't hold out any hope of that happening in the near future. but at least if we are going to kill and eat eat the chickens and cows and pigs, we could do it more humanely than the current commercial models seem to mandate for meat producers. I don't think I'm arrogant, and I'm not outraged - just sad.
Over my lifetime of 60 plus years I've come to see that all the sentient creatures we inhabit the planet with are no less deserving of our friendship and mercy. I wish that we all could quit eating meat for a variety of reasons, but I don't hold out any hope of that happening in the near future. but at least if we are going to kill and eat eat the chickens and cows and pigs, we could do it more humanely than the current commercial models seem to mandate for meat producers. I don't think I'm arrogant, and I'm not outraged - just sad.
6
Vegetarian diets is the answer; people will also become less violent and aggressive if our diets become vegetarian!
23
*vegan
11
Utter nonsense.
As a whole, I'd say self-righteous vegans/vegetarians are far more likely to be judgmental/patronization and passively (actively?) aggressive than their meat-eating counterparts.
A tiresome group.
As a whole, I'd say self-righteous vegans/vegetarians are far more likely to be judgmental/patronization and passively (actively?) aggressive than their meat-eating counterparts.
A tiresome group.
It will be easy for CCP to jettison this old custom with the stroke of a pen and no debate is necessary and dissension can be easily handled by sending the opposition to the re-education camp.
9
You mutton-heads! Dogs are man's best friends, not his dinner. If you would eat this valuable animal, why not children, too? Knock it off. There are plenty of other things you can eat. Get in line with the rest of the civilized world.
33
Only the west has this view of dogs as mans best friend. Many other nations, particularly developing ones hold the view that dogs are somewhat dangerous since they are often wild and can bite people if hungry enough. There is a chance this festival was meant to be a culling to keep the wild dog population in check. The only person who shows ignorance and Lack of civility is you who have no respect for another's culture and decry it as uncivilized as the imperialists of old.
Do you eat chicken, beef, pork, lamb or any animal at all? Are you a vegan or a hypocrite?
Waleed,
Did you read about these dogs? They're TORTURED for days or weeks before death; some of them are stolen family pets. It's indefensible behavior!
Did you read about these dogs? They're TORTURED for days or weeks before death; some of them are stolen family pets. It's indefensible behavior!
3
Hi, No more stupid or useless killings of innocent dogs. Find a better, humane and intelligent way to make money. Do not use the vulnerable. Eugenia Renskoff
13
don't animal shelters in US kill millions of pets every year?
2
The idea that dogs are eaten in China is not surprising, though as a dog lover I wish this practice would stop. The idea that outright torture is celebrated at this festival is what is positively horrifying. There is no 'cultural relativism' argument that can justify this.
40
I wish that the 11 million signatures on the mentioned petition carried the additional weight of suggesting that the signors would boycott Chinese-made goods, since then that government would begin to pay attention.
20
Right On! Printed no doubt on your PRC (Made in China) iPhone on Laptop?
8
wsmrer
It is difficult but worth the effort. I avoid purchasing from retail chains and manufacturers who mistreat employees or (other) animals, and/or who have a poor environmental record. It's a way to have an impact on the offenders IF enough of use do it and let them know why.
It is difficult but worth the effort. I avoid purchasing from retail chains and manufacturers who mistreat employees or (other) animals, and/or who have a poor environmental record. It's a way to have an impact on the offenders IF enough of use do it and let them know why.
In California and perhaps elsewhere Chickens are garbed hung in a harness and move down a line where they are killed by punching the eye balls. Why? No lost blood – sold by the pound. But who loves a chicken. Only in the last few years has any attention been paid for how commercial animals are killed.
That said the problem with the dog meat market is dogs will be dog-napped off the street. Recent article blind man’s companion stolen. Local protest publish on media, dog was returned – in China, can you believe it? Some will not.
Do no wish to eat dog meat but did once before I was told what it was. Very delicious; maybe meat eater are more tasty that grass eaters. In restaurants dog meat is very pricy were offered.
That said the problem with the dog meat market is dogs will be dog-napped off the street. Recent article blind man’s companion stolen. Local protest publish on media, dog was returned – in China, can you believe it? Some will not.
Do no wish to eat dog meat but did once before I was told what it was. Very delicious; maybe meat eater are more tasty that grass eaters. In restaurants dog meat is very pricy were offered.
8
There are plenty of people who care about the welfare of chickens, and all living creatures, and the battle towards protecting them has been waging for decades, don't kid yourself. But it is a very tough battle, and not enough people know all the horrors that exist, and some find them too horrible to know. And it was very inappropriate to share your remarks about eating dog meat. No one wants to know. Disgusting.
2
China enjoy your traditional festivals and culture. The West eats everything, yet lectures alot. Rather, than bothering Chinese people over this harmless festival, if we are to place any pressure on China it should be over endangered animals. China is causing massive declines in animal populations all over the world, like Elephant and Tiger populations, most famously. These are the activities we should discuss. Only rich Chinese even benefit from illegal poaching, the common Chinese people may support preserving wildlife. That is more important than a dog meat festival. And I am a vegetarian.
21
Harmless?? Hardly. If you have no compassion for the tortured dogs, think about the families who have lost their pets to this barbarity. The willingness to inflict this cruelty is a result of the same attitude that is putting endangered animals at risk: seeing animals only as commodities to be exploited by humans, along with an erroneous belief in medical and potency properties of animal parts.
The Chinese are not the only ones with this attitude, by the way.
The Chinese are not the only ones with this attitude, by the way.
9
Harmless? Where did you acquire such despicable values? You are as much a monster as these Chinese torturers.
4
Raj Shah,
While you make a salient point about endangered animals, I have the impression you don't know these dogs are tortured, sometimes for days or weeks in unimaginable ways (read other comments here or search it); some of them are stolen family pets.
While you make a salient point about endangered animals, I have the impression you don't know these dogs are tortured, sometimes for days or weeks in unimaginable ways (read other comments here or search it); some of them are stolen family pets.
3
The dog meat industry doesn't seem to be shrinking in Guilin. In 2015 a dog meat selling area was established at a large "fresh market" near Guilin University of Technology and appears to be doing very good business. They also sell a lot of cat meat and have more cats in cramped cages than dogs.
7
These protests are ridiculous. We eat cow, which is an animal revered in India. We eat pig, something viewed as an outrage by Muslims and Israel. People are allowed to eat whatever they want. Crusade about something that actually matters
33
How about crusade about everything that matters, dogs matter, crusade about this! Tigers matter, crusade about this!! Elephants matter, crusade about this! These are all great reasons to stand up for animal rights, or any rights that are protecting anything that is helpless (animals, children, slaves, etc). Every crusade is VERY important and by all means PLEASE stand up for helping the helpess anytime you can.
Saying this one is less important as others, c'mon! What is wrong with you?
Saying this one is less important as others, c'mon! What is wrong with you?
2
Don't you get it? Dogs are cute and we love them. Pigs are stinky and cows are dumb. These are objective facts. Debate over! Stop killing the doggie and pass the bacon.
It does matter. And ALL of it should be protested -- and loudly. Inhumanity, cruelty and ignorance shouldn't be ignored because it makes you uncomfortable. If there is one issue that matters above all others it is the human condition that allows itself to go on with abuse of animals and people who don't have the ability to protect themselves.
6
As a dog owner I'm sickened at the thought of these dogs being slaughtered and eaten. But the comment that they are no different than other mammals that many in Western countries eat everyday is right. The pig is as intelligent, affectionate and has the same well developed brain and nervous system as a dog, but there are no protests here over slaughtering and eating them. Even some groups that advocate humane farming and open grazing of animals stop short when it comes to banning their consumption. How do you humanly slaughter a cow, sheep or chicken?
I have no illusions that veganism can be imposed on anyone. But the truth is that there is no nutritional need for humans to eat the flesh of animals. And so if this practice has no basis in biological necessity then why do we continue to do it?
I have no illusions that veganism can be imposed on anyone. But the truth is that there is no nutritional need for humans to eat the flesh of animals. And so if this practice has no basis in biological necessity then why do we continue to do it?
55
Agree with the previous letter writer. Are the people who protest eating chicken, pork, beef, goat meat, fish, venison, turkey? Not suggesting they turn Vegan however we seem to have double standards here. Is one animal or bird more 'eatable' than another?
Vivek
Vivek
5
What the article doesn't point out is how these stolen pets are slaughtered. They are beaten, beaten while hanging, snouts are wired shut so they can't yelp, they are boiled alive, nailed to walls with nails guns (while alive), limbs are cut off (while alive) and so on. The article should have focused on the widely held belief, in some arts of Asia, that if dogs and cats are tortured, the meat will somehow taste better and what should be stopped is the Torture of the animals. Animal cruelty should have been the focus of this article.
26
We do it, because when prepared properly animal protein is delicious. Though I do agree that it is kind of arbitrary that we eat pigs and not dogs. And though I do not intend to start eating dogs any time soon; but if I was truly starving I have no doubt, given my options, I would get over to my aversion to eating dog.
9