Dog Meat Consumption in China: A Deep Dive into Tradition and Controversy

An examination of debate and tradition,A controversial and complicated topic, dog meat eating in China addresses ethical questions, cultural practices, and changing public opinions. Although some areas of China still consume dog meat, a good portion of the population avoids it, and over time opposition to the practice has grown.

China reportedly kills over 10 million dogs each year for food. Official statistics are limited; hence the exact amount fluctuates as well.

This would mean roughly 27,000 dogs killed for food every day, although local tastes, holidays, and seasons affect demand.

Mostly found in southern provinces like: consumption of dog meat is:

Guangxi (Dog Meat Festive of Yulin) Guangdong Honan
One of the most controversial events is the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, held in Guangxi every June. At this event, thousands of dogs are killed and consumed as traditional food. Meanwhile, animal rights advocates and foreign NGOs have sharply attacked the festival.

The legal status of dog meat in China Though eating dog meat is not absolutely forbidden in China, the government has taken steps to regulate the habit:

2020 saw a shift in perspective, as the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture categorised dogs as “companion animals” rather than livestock.
Like Shenzhen and Zhuhai, some localities have openly forbidden the eating of dog and cat meat.
CNN Article : Canine controversy: Chinese festival serves up dog meat

In the past ten years, public opinion of consuming dog meat has fundamentally shifted. Urbanisation, rising pet ownership, and animal rights groups’ activity have all helped lower demand for dog meat. Surveys indicate that most Chinese people do not eat dog meat and oppose the custom.

Moreover, new generations and Chinese middle-class people view dogs as pets more and more than as food. The Chinese government’s advocacy of animal protection policies suggests that dog meat consumption might keep declining in the next years.

At last

Though it is still traditional in some areas of China, eating dog meat is not very widespread. With signs that the dog meat trade in China may finally diminish due to growing activism, changing views, and stricter legal restrictions, its future is nevertheless unknown