China declares dogs should be treated as pets not livestock

For the first time in history, China has declared that dogs should be treated like pets, not livestock.

The announcement comes after the Chinese government imposed a ban on the eating and trade of wild animals in response to the novel coronavirus. Chinese researchers believe that the disease originated from the animal markets in Wuhan.

“With the progress of human civilisation and the public’s concern and preference for animal protection, dogs have changed from traditional domestic animals to companion animals,” China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said.

It added that dogs are treated as pets and not meat across the world and China should do so as well.

According to Humane Society International, around 10 million dogs are killed in the country annually,  The meat, however, is only consumed by 20% of the country’s population.

The move comes as hope for animal lovers and indicates  an end to the torture of animals and their meat trade.