WSPA’s response to Sky News feature on China
May 22, 2007
Following Sky News’ shocking report on animal welfare standards in China, 22 May 2007, WSPA is urging the Chinese Government to look seriously at its animal welfare standards.
Viewers were appalled at the footage that was shown and many emailed in following the programme.
Victor Watkins, WSPA’s Wildlife Advisor, interviewed on Sky News said:
“The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has a history of working with Chinese animal welfare organisations, but we feel more needs to be done to reduce the acceptability of this kind of animal cruelty. Chinese authorities need to take steps to make these people realise that this is unacceptable behaviour, for entertainment or otherwise.
“In 2008, tourists from all over the world will be coming to Beijing for the Olympics and they will leave with a very negative impression of China, unless they start to take steps now to eradicate this type of practice.”
WSPA has been working for a number of years with the Chinese authorities on the farming of animals and with member societies to try and educate the people carrying out the cruelty. One example is the ‘End Bear farming’ project, focusing on bear farms in China, Vietnam and Korea that subject bears to daily painful bile extractions. Many are kept in cages no bigger than a telephone box for long periods of time.
Dave Eastham, WSPA’s Head of Wildlife, said:
“The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is deeply concerned about the images shown in Sky’s news story and is aware of many other similar events happening. It’s symptomatic of the relatively low priority animal welfare currently experienced in China. WSPA is willing to work with the Chinese Government in any way we can to improve animal welfare across the country."
Take action
Viewers can donate to WSPA to enable us to keep the pressure up on the Government in China.
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